Grumbling and Arguing

Grumbling and Arguing

Monday, June 6, 2016
Gary Arntessoni

^“ Do everything without grumbling or arguing…”  Philippians 2:14

Why is complaining and grumbling so easy to do?

It almost seems natural- we just fall into it.  Yesterday (in the Sunday sermon) I gave 3 reasons why I think it is easy for us to grumble and complain. We get afraid, we are overloaded, and it is hard to trust God. In my life I can trace my grumbling back to these sources. Let me unpack them a bit.

Fear: When I find I am afraid about something I worry about it. Did you know that worry is a form of negative meditation? If you have ever worried, you know how to meditate—the problem is worry shifts our focus to our negative problem, rather than god's positive solution.  When we focus on our fears they grow, but when we focus on God our fears take on a different perspective in light of God’s greatness. 

Overloaded: When we are spread too thin we diminish our ability to be resilient in the midst of life's challenges. When you are tired everything feels like an impossible task. This is why God calls us to a life that has rest and recuperation as a regular discipline for us. Jesus says, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”

Trust: Trust is a big issue. What do you trust in life? Are you growing in your ability to trust God?  Many times we complain because we are not sure God is working on our behalf—we feel we need to let others know we are struggling,  so we complain hoping they will have an answer or do something that will take care of our problem. We miss the fact that God has been with us and that God will be with us, right now, right in the midst of today's challenges.

Remember it is not wrong to be scared, feel overloaded, or struggle with trust—unless we take our eyes off God. The key is to allow life’s challenges to help you turn your focus on God, after all God is big enough to help us regardless of what we face.

If you find you struggle with fear, being overloaded, or trust- reflect and pray through the verses below:

Dear God, I feel Afraid:

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

 “But now, this is what the LORD says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel, Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.”  Isaiah 43:1

Dear God, I feel Overloaded:

“Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” Psalm 61

“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

Dear God, I am struggling to trust you:

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” Isaiah 43:2

“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.” Psalm 143:8

Remember: God is at work in you…  

“being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”     Philippians 1:6

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