By all means, let’s not grumble.That got Israel into trouble in the wilderness. They accused God of tricking them into leaving Egypt only to let them die in the desert. Freed from slavery, eating manna daily, and witnessing miracles, they grumbled, angry with God, disbelieving His love and grace. Exodus 15:24; 16:2; 17:3; etc.
Instead of grumbling, complain! The Lord Himself has given us “forms” for our complaints called “Lament Psalms.” They are the Bible’s very own Complaint (or, Customer Service) Department, where David and others show us how to take our burdens, by faith, to the Lord. He, after all, is the only one who can do anything about them. And He cares deeply.
In lament psalms, God’s people complain to Him freely about their enemies, ailments, circumstances, and even their sinfulness. These passionate songs are refreshing for their honesty, and offer a sweet release when our own burdens seem more than we can bear. And there are many of them: forty-two individual psalms of lament, and sixteen national, nearly forty percent of the Psalter.
While these psalms begin with a complaint (or two), they end with a resolution to praise God and wait for His deliverance, in His time and in His way. This is a faith response which is the opposite of whining and grumbling.
So, let’s try them, shall we? Get in line at the Bible’s Complaint Department at Psalms 3-5; 9-10; 13-14; 22; 25; 39; 41; 42-43; 54-57; 69-71; 77; 86; 88, and 140-142. Jesus cried out to God in His distress (Hebrews 5:7), and so can we.
“Father, thank you for allowing us to bring our complaints to you, and providing the appropriate forms as well. We love you and trust you, for you have loved us, and do all things well. We rest in your arms, through Jesus. Amen.”