Monday, January 18, 2010

If I am quiet, is it still complaining?

I have heard on more than one occasion that "God hates a complainer" so I went to try and find it in the bible. I found several passages to try and dissuade my recent and frequent complaining about my current situation.

1 Corinthians 10:10 (New International Version)

10And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel.

Psalm 106:24-26 (New International Version)

24 Then they despised the pleasant land;
they did not believe his promise.

25 They grumbled in their tents
and did not obey the LORD.

26 So he swore to them with uplifted hand
that he would make them fall in the desert,

After reading these passages, it almost scares me into breaking my habit of complaining. Although I am going to make an honest effort to completely stop voicing my frustrations and anger, how do I verbalize or shall I say, express my feelings about what I am going through?

If I am silent, but cry or scream (no precise words) about how much pain I am in or the fact that my heart feels as raw as a wound created from falling off a bike and exposing raw flesh? Is that still complaining? If I journal as fast as my hands can possibly write and as quickly as my feelings come to me is that also being ungrateful?

It is not natural to me to shut down all of my feelings, concerns and fears. Where does it go? Is that where health issues manifest and grow? Do I have to make the decision to worry about God being angry with me or being sick from holding all of this inside as it pulses through my veins and blood? Someone I know said, "God is big and strong enough for you to handle whatever you give Him." I believe that. If He is called My Father, then I should be able to talk to him and tell him my concerns, right? I have to go with that belief.

I am going to take the scriptures mentioned here into consideration and as a guideline. I will still speak to God and tell Him what I am going through. I will continue to questions why He does what He does and ask for explanations. I am confused now and I need answers. Regardless of what mortals say and what man's interpretation of the bible is, I am going to be true to myself while seeking enlightenment.

I know there are many people going through things right now and need guidance, answers and proof that God is listening and hears you and is working in your favor. Please know you are not alone. I am going to be riding with you or driving the car.

Put on your seatbelt and let's go.