Before Complaining!

Some are quick to complain. When things are not going well the first response is sometimes to look for someone to blame. Surely it must be someone’s fault. However, how many times might that “someone” be closer than we think. Perhaps we would do well to begin with some SELF-EXAMINATION before we look elsewhere!

During the time of Jeremiah, the disobedience of God’s people was great. Still they wondered why God was not blessing them. What they failed to acknowledge was their own unrepentant attitude and rebellion that had left them without God’s forgiveness. ( Lamentations 3:42)

Jeremiah wrote…
“(39) Why should a living man complain, a man, about the punishment of his sins? (40) LET US TEST AND EXAMINE OUR WAYS, AND RETURN TO THE LORD!” ( Lamentations 3:39-40 ESV)

Why should we complain about what our choices may have brought to us? Why should we blame another -- even becoming angry with God as some do ( Proverbs 19:3) -- when the results of having ignored His Way are experienced? God is righteous. He is just. He will allow us to feel the effects of our choices. However, His ultimate desire is for us to acknowledge our error and turn back toward Him; returning to the Lord, as Jeremiah stated.

Note David’s desire as he focused on his relationship with God.
“(23) SEARCH ME, O God, and KNOW MY HEART! TRY ME and KNOW MY THOUGHTS! (24) And see if there be any grievous way in me, and LEAD ME IN THE WAY EVERLASTING!” ( Psalm 139:23-24 ESV)

It is for our benefit that we be open to such in our relationship with God. Let us not complain at God, but instead do some soul-searching to determine where our life needs to be placed back on track with His Will. Maintaining a genuine penitent spirit and openness to God’s direction will continue to bring His blessing. May we be as eager to respond to Him as He is to us.

Have a great day FOLLOWING IN THE WAY EVERLASTING!
Carl

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