Quit Complaining

Have you ever wondered why people complain? Some people seem to complain all the time, but most of us start complaining when things go wrong. Psychologists say that we tend to complain when we feel we have a low status in a situation or that our status is shrinking. Complaint then becomes our way of expressing our discomfort and frustration In order to seek validation. We want sympathy as well as their agreement that things are unfair towards us. Sometimes, when we go through a tough season, we can develop a habit of complaining. It can affect every area of our life. It’s a tough habit to break, but it can be broken with an attitude of gratitude.

In Exodus 14, Egypt had enough of God’s plagues and decided to set the children of Israel free. They left in army formation with their heads held high as they followed the pillar of fire by night and the cloud by day. After a few days, God led them to the Red Sea and had them camp there. Pharaoh had a change of heart and organized the army to go after them. When they saw him coming , they began to complain To Moses and God. They said they were better off slaves than dead men in the dessert. Moses replied and told them to take courage and stand their ground. The same God who freed them would save them again. In verse 14 he said, “The Lord will fight for you while you [only need to] keep silent and remain calm” (AMP). His advice is good for us too. Quit complaining, remain calm and trust God.

Philippians 4:6 says, “Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God.” Complaining shows a lack of trust in God. When we trust in Him, we can stop being anxious and worried. No matter what your situation is, let it create prayers rather than complaints. Let it cause us to give thanks rather than blame. Remember, an attitude of gratitude is how we break the habit of complaining. When we pray and give thanks, our whole mindset shifts. We change our focus from what is happening to what God is doing. Like the children of Israel, we may feel, trapped with no way of escape. Complaining won’t change anything, but prayer will. Remember all that God has done for you. He didn’t bring you this far to let you be defeated in the wilderness. Keep silent, remain calm and begin to pray. That’s the way to knowing the peace of God that is beyond understanding in any circumstance.

Photo by Arina Krasnikova.