23 / Complaining

Warm-Up:

Read Matthew 4:7 and Psalm 34:1-9; 18. highlight/write out what stands out to you:

Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” —Matthew 4:7

“I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together! I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack! . . . The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” —Psalm 34:1-9; 18

Round 1:

Write out this definition of lament:

Lament: to cast our cares upon God, by honestly expressing our regret or disappointment over something considered unsatisfactory, unreasonable, or unfair.

Round 2:

Make a list of your frustrations in your journal. what’s not okay right now?

Round 3:

Pray:

“Lord, what am I supposed to do with my disappointment, unmet expectations, pain, anger, grief, and confusion? Especially given these circumstances! Can I bring these things before You? [Walk through your list from Round 2] Your people—Job, David, Jeremiah, and even You, Jesus, show me that these emotions can be turned into prayers of faith. As Your child, I’m moving beyond complaining. It’s not about getting things off my chest. It’s about casting my anxieties upon You, and trusting You with them. Mere complaining demonstrates that my relationship with You is shallow. As I learn to lament in a healthy way, help me transform my complaints into worship.”

Burn Out:

No doubt someone you know needs some encouragement. Take a couple minutes to handwrite a note to that person and mail it to them. Maybe your note will help them turn their complaining into worship!

All this week:

If you or someone you know needs assistance, needs to talk, or needs to pray with someone please text the Second Place Church team at 708-866-0092. We are in this together!