Victory247

“I loathe my very life; therefore I will give free rein to my complaint and speak out in the bitterness of my soul”  Job 10:1 (NIV)

When I was growing up, my parents had an ‘interesting’ relationship. I saw hints that they loved each other, but I knew for a fact that they also hated each other. The only time I can remember them not barking at each other was when they were either asleep or when they found something to mutually complain about.

I was thoroughly trained in the art of complaining at a young age. Not only was it acceptable, it was expected.

It wasn’t until I gave my heart to Christ that I started to slowly change. I came to the realization that complaining was discouraged by God because it was detrimental to my inner well being and my relationships. So then I complained about people who complained. I needed spiritual surgery to fight this complaining disease that was eating me up.

I saw God start to get it under control until, of course,  when things in my life would legitimately go bad. It’s like we feel we have “free rein” to complain when we are in those sour times. We “speak out in the bitterness of the soul”.

Look around this week and watch all the complaining that goes on at work, sporting events, school, home, on TV, with friends, social media… And when we catch ourselves complaining, allow God to do surgery. Ask Him to carve out the complaining malignancy that can make us bitter emotionally, socially, spiritually, and mentally.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Heavenly Father, when I complain, remind me to admit it and quit it. I am depending on You to change me. I don’t want to be balled up in bitterness. Set me free to experience life and relationships to the fullest. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.