Crosswords: The Puzzling Power of Words Week 3 Culture of Complaint .09.24.06

In our third week we open discussion about complaining. When things get difficult in life we sometimes take a negative stance and this can lead into complaints. In Exodus and Numbers we learn of all the grumbling, murmuring and complaining that takes place in the desert. Complaining leads us nowhere which pretty much answers why it took the Israelites 40 years instead of 12 days to find the promise land. Not only does complaining lead us nowhere it also pushes us away from God. The Israelites learned this the hard way. With all their grumblings against God they lost His protection. So you might ask yourself, “How can we avoid becoming grumblers, whinos and complainers?”

1. Watch Your Words
Ephesians 4:29 – No foul language should come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for needed edification, that it may impart grace to those who hear.
When we hear this verse we might think of cussing, using the Lord’s name in vain, gossip and slander. But this verse includes complaining because complaining is destructive. It’s destructive to others as well as ourselves. No one wants to be surrounded by negative people; therefore, it’s important to watch our words.

2. Hand It Over To God
– Psalms 34:7 – In my misfortune I called, the Lord heard and saved me from all distress.
– Psalms 142:3-4 – Before God I pour out my complaint, lay bare my distress. My spirit is faint within me, but you know my path.
When we have problems the best thing we can do is hand them over to God. But it’s important not to complain but talk with God. As it says here in Psalms 142 we hand over our problems and frustrations to God because He will lead us in the right direction.

3. Count Your Blessings
So often this is hard for us to do. We like to focus on the negative because it can become overwhelming. Whenwe count our blessings we honor God and build a relationship. In next week’s lesson we speak of how to speak positive and less negative.

Reflect on This:
What makes complaining easy?
How do you feel when you hand over a problem and can you give them to God?
What is good in your life and how can you recognize the positive that happen daily?