A Psalm of Whining
If you are like me, you find yourself whining more than you would expect. Because I seem to have designated myself as an adviser to God, I frequently have suggestions and feedback and questions for Him.
Sometimes I express genuine concerns for my own attitudes and responses. And real prayers for the needs of others. And I deeply believe God welcomes my questions and fears and admissions of inadequacy.
But the reality is, more often than not, I am just whining. These just scratch the surface of the whining I am capable of: Oh Lord, why?
Why is it (traffic, waiting at the doctor, finishing a task, a child’s needed change) taking so long?
Why are they so stubborn? Why don’t they see it my way?
Why don’t I learn? Why would I say that?Why are people so mean, hurtful, unkind, unwise? Oh Lord, when?
When will it warm up—or cool off?
When will I get married, or have a baby, or be able to sleep with this crying baby?
When will I ever catch up? Get order restored to my house?
When will I ever get to do what I want to do?
Oh Lord, how?
How can I be stronger, kinder, wiser?
How can I love that person?
How can I do this impossible job?
How can I keep going, hang on, believe the best, keep hoping, trust You?
And You respond:
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. (Isaiah 55:8)
“I will rejoice in doing them good and will assuredly plant them in this land with all my heart and soul.” (Jeremiah 32:41)
“I am the Lord. In its time I will do this swiftly.” (Isaiah 60:22b)
“The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.” (1 Thessalonians 5:24)
26 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)
I love these verses of hope and promise from God. And I take strength and courage knowing that ALL things are possible with God.
What about you? What do you whine about?
C2014 Judy Douglass