Day 23 - The Complaining Tongue
"I cry aloud with my voice to the Lord; I make supplication with my voice to the Lord; I pour out my complaint to Him; I declare my trouble before Him" Psalm 142:1-2
The daughters of Zelophehad had a problem. When their father died in the wilderness before the Israelites came to the Promised Land. Zelophehad had no sons, brothers, or male heirs to inherit his land; his five daughters had no husbands, brothers or sons either. The law did not allow for women to possess land at the time so Zelophehad's five daughters called a congressional hearing and took their concerns directly to Moses to appeal (Numbers 27).
Moses took the cause to God on behalf of the daughters and God agreed with the women--they were given possession of the land. What do you think would have happened if the daughters had just stayed where they were and complained amongst themselves or the villagers? Most likely they wouldn't have obtained the inheritance.
Complaining is whining or pleading a disappointment to people who cannot directly resolve the matter. How many times have you or a friend complained about a situation but the person to whom you complained had no power to change it? Most likely, you or the person joined in to commiserate. I have been there!
At work, I get a lot of people coming to my office to complain about a supervisor, a leader, a policy, etc. Many of the complaints are legitimate. If the person doesn't know me well I let them "plead their case". I then ask if they have taken the issue directly to (fill in the blank) to resolve the matter. 90% of the time, they haven't gone to the source. I encourage them to go and state the issue professionally and factually. I also let them know that it is no longer up for discussion with me as I cannot do anything to change the situation.
Only about 3 out of ten people actually go to the person who can offer a solution! I realize that many people just like to complain but they won't take responsibility for getting resolution. They have tried to re-approach me on the same subject but they do 'get the hand' and either move along or change the subject.
Do you complain? I do, sometimes I believe I am "venting" just blowing off steam and not really looking for an answer. About 10% of the time this is true and the other 90% of the time it is complaining! I want validation, I want to know I am right! Tell me I would win, please!!! God says that this is futile.
When we don't go to the source and take our troubles to God, we tell Him that we don't believe His promise to care for us and carry our burdens. When we don't give an offender the opportunity to right a wrong we carry resentment--negative energy--and the person walks around clueless! Think of times when someone confronted you responsibly--did you smack them down? No, you sincerely apologized and moved on.
Now, there are times when we have a situation we should trust to a close friend or partner. Someone to check out motives or interpretation; ask the Holy Spirit to guide you. There is a website that is dedicated to eliminating whining and complaining. The man gives purple rubberbands you wear on your wrist, when you catch yourself complaining you either move the band from one wrist to the other or you "snap" the band as a reminder to zip it!
www.acomplaintfreeworld.comI tried it and it works! I am going to commit to move my "Love & Peace" band I wear everyday when I complain as a reminder--won't you try it for just one day? It could change your or someone elses life. God bless and love, Sister Lisa
AFFIRMATION: God, you work everything out for the good of those who love you; I love you Lord and therefore I won't complain. Amen.
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