Complain, Lament, Whatever You Call it… Just Do It!
Thank you to everyone who commented on my latest poll about complaining to God. We had great discussions—not only on this blog but also on Facebook and on LinkedIn.
Like most of you, I would give this question a 5—I completely believe it’s okay to complain to God. In fact, the Bible is full of complaints—and even laments—to God:
- Job
- Psalms
- Jeremiah
- And of course, Lamentations!
Rest assured, dear ones: We can approach God with our complaints—especially when we don’t understand why something is happening or why things aren’t working out the way we had planned or hoped.
- Marriage.
- Career.
- Illness.
- Life in general.
When we complain to God with humility—when we empty our innermost feelings to God, He leans down from His throne, positions His ears to our lips, and comforts us like only He can. He heals us and gives us hope (Psalm 10:17).
It’s tempting to “sterilize” our feelings when we approach our Heavenly Father, dear ones. But listen to great men of the Bible, as they brought their raw feelings to God Almighty:
- O God, listen to my complaint (Psalm 64:1).
- I spill out all my complaints before him, and spell out my troubles in detail (Psalm 142:2).
- And so I’m not keeping one bit of this quiet, I’m laying it all out on the table; my complaining to high heaven is bitter, but honest (Job 7:11).
What a relief to know that we don’t have to “clean up” before talking to Him–before complaining, lamenting, mourning—even grieving in His presence. He already knows about it. Listen to Psalm 139:
I’m an open book to you; even from a distance, you know what I’m thinking…. You know everything I’m going to say before I start the first sentence….
Let’s be that open book to God, dear ones. Let’s not cower away from our God. Let’s long for that intimacy with our Lord. Do you want it? I do.
God wants to hear our complaints—however “small.” He is the God of the forest—and the God of the trees. When we talk things out with Him, He brings us comfort, wisdom, and peace.
Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life (Philippians 4:6-7).
Peace can come to you when you complain to Him.
In fact, several years ago, I went through a very difficult—and lengthy—time of illness. I was consumed with anger, but I wouldn’t show it. After weeks and months of barely scratching the surface of my feelings, I had enough. I told God—more like yelled in my frustration, “I’m so angry with you!” Immediately, I felt in my spirit a loving voice that said, “That’s what I’ve been waiting for. Now we can move forward.”
Do you want to move forward? Don’t bury those frustrations. Voice those to God–He can handle it. He wants that intimacy with you. That’s what He’s been waiting for.
Complain, lament, whatever you call it… just do it!
Come alongside…What are you frustrated about? Have you complained to God? What’s holding you back?
Poll: Complain to God?
I’ve had several conversations about this with friends and family. I’m sure you have too. Maybe even heard a sermon or two on it.
So I wanted to get your feedback.
How do you feel about complaining to God?
Use a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 means, “Do not agree with it at all” and 5 means “Completely agree with it.” Then tell us why you gave that rating.
Feel free to reply to others’ comments. As always, please be respectful and kind. (Note: I reserve the right to edit all comments.)
Looking forward to your feedback.
Big hugs,
Daphne
Kissing my bad habits goodbye
Thank you to everyone who replied to my latest poll, “Can you really get rid of bad habits?” We had a lot of discussion and great comments.
Overall, you said that most habits can die. And I agree! In fact, I believe that all bad habits can die.
I don’t have scientific evidence to support that–but I don’t need it. That’s why I have faith–faith in the all-powerful God who has freed me from my bad habits:
- Addictions.
- Perfectionism.
- Workaholism.
- People-pleasing.
- And more.
When I have laid these habits at the cross of Jesus–without taking them back again, He supernaturally erases those desires and tendencies so I can live in joyous freedom.
Some bad habits are so strong that I keep taking them back again and again. Part of my problem is that I put myself in situations that make it easier for my bad habits to resurface.
- Relationships.
- Friendships.
- Even the computer.
Truth is: I can feed my bad habits, or I can starve them. I can go back to the same routines, or I can replace them with better habits–habits that give life–not death. Every time I fail to create healthy habits, I put myself at risk.
When a defiling evil spirit is expelled from someone, it drifts along through the desert looking for an oasis, some unsuspecting soul it can bedevil. When it doesn’t find anyone, it says, ‘I’ll go back to my old haunt.’ On return it finds the person spotlessly clean, but vacant. It then runs out and rounds up seven other spirits more evil than itself and they all move in, whooping it up. That person ends up far worse off than if he’d never gotten cleaned up in the first place (Matthew 12:43-45).
I don’t have to put myself at risk. When I’m tempted, I can call upon God. He will help me day-by-day, and many times, even moment-by-moment.
But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it (1 Corinthians 10:13).
In the end, I will be free, and whom God sets free is free indeed (John 8:36).
Goodbye, bad habits!
Come alongside: How about you? Do you relate? Which bad habits have you replaced with good habits? With whom can you share this good news today?
Recovery Resources
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Poll: Can you really get rid of bad habits?
Earlier this week, I was reading an article in New York Times called, “How Companies Learn Your Secrets.” The article talked about how companies use statistics to understand consumers’ buying habits so they can predict how to market to them. (Side note: That’s what I do on a daily basis in my day job.)
Anyway… I read a line that intrigued me, especially given my own recovery and the recovery work I do on a weekly basis with others in my community. It said…
Habits never really disappear.
I understand they were speaking in biological terms, but it still makes me wonder.
How about you? Do you agree or disagree? Use a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 means “Completely disagree” and 5 means “Completely agree.” Then tell us why you gave that rating.
Feel free to reply to others’ comments. As always, please be respectful and kind. (Note: I reserve the right to edit all comments.)
Looking forward to your feedback.
Big hugs,
Daphne
Poll: How easy is it for you to step out in faith?
Many of you remember reading several posts ago that my husband and I are adopting. We’re very close to bringing our kiddos home–actually, March 12th.
Any major decision involves taking a step of faith. The decision to adopt is no different. Of course, some decisions are easier to make than others.
So…I wanted to get your thoughts on this.
First, tell us how easy is it for you to step out in faith. Use a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 means “Not easy at all” and 5 means, “Completely easy.” Then tell us why you gave that rating.
Feel free to reply to others’ comments. As always, please be respectful and kind. (Note: I reserve the right to edit all comments.)
Thanks for participating.
I look forward to reading your replies.
Big Hugs,
Daphne
(Remember… January is book giveaway month. The more you comment below, the more chances you have to win a copy of my new book, Women of the Secret Place.)
