4 Things to Do Instead of Complaining

Are you feeling frustrated with your current situation? I know I do at times, some more some less. Really, if we had control of our lives, things would be different wouldn’t they?  When we were born again, we yielded that control to Jesus Christ who owns us, and is responsible for the details of our lives.  Yes he knows when you’re hurt. He knows when you’re misused, maligned, and lied about. He knows. He cares. He acts.

“Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.. Acts 20:28 (NKJV)

Asking God the question, “Why am I here?” is something we need to be doing regularly.   When was the last time you asked God to show you His direction for your life and ministry?  For many of you, it’s been far too long since a prayer like that left your lips.

Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began, 2 Tim 1:8-9 (NKJV)

It’s much easier to complain about our current situation. Isn’t it?  I don’t like my boss. I don’t get paid enough. I’m tired of COVID. The restrictions aren’t fair. The mission field is too tough. My country’s headed in the wrong direction. My neighbors are this and my co-workers are that.  I hate my life, some even say.  When we lose perspective of the purposes of our sovereign God, we lose the power of our purpose He’s placed upon us.  Remember, when we complain about our situation, we are complaining against our God who has allowed it.

You are who you are by the will of God. You work where you work by the will of God. You live where you live by the will of God.   God has you where you are for His purposes, His use, His glory!

So what can we do instead of complaining?

First, seek God through prayer and fasting.  Set your heart toward Him through a commitment to pray and fast.  As hard as your situation is, and I know there are some real difficult things out there, Jesus is the Lord of them all and has promised to never leave or forsake you! The wise choice is to embrace your current circumstance and use it for the glory of God!  An even wiser choice would be to set some time aside to pray and fast for your life.  There is a real power in fasting and prayer.  Often in the Bible you’ll see those two spiritual disciplines side by side in the life of the believer.

Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain. Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me. Phil 2:14-18 (NKJV)

Second, praise the Lord for where you are!  There is power in praise. There is power in giving God our focused time and  attention in thanksgiving. It’s healthy and cleansing to express our appreciation for all that He is, all that He has done, and for all that He will do in our lives!

I will praise You, O LORD, with my whole heart;
I will tell of all Your marvelous works.
I will be glad and rejoice in You;
I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High. Psalms 9:1-2 (NKJV)

Third, thank God in all things. That’s what the Bible tells us to do and what the Holy Spirit empowers us to do. The Scriptures are clear that we aren’t to thank for FOR all things but IN all things. So do it. Begin to make thanksgiving a large part of your daily routine. It doesn’t have to something formal where you stop, sit down, close your eyes, fold your hands and pray a prayer of thanksgiving. What I’m thinking is that you match those feelings of frustration and discouragement with active actions of thanksgiving, wherever you are and whenever they come up!

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. 1 Thess 5:16-19 (NKJV)

Finally, stay close to Jesus feeding your relationship with Him.  Jesus said that if we abide in Him, He will abide in us. That abiding close, growing relationship with Jesus will give you daily, moment by moment the needed perspective to live lives that shine the light of the gospel in the most dark of situations.

“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. John 15:7-8 (NKJV)

When you choose to stop complaining God will meet you right there! Do it today.