The human race seems to be plagued with complaining. We complain about our circumstances, family, friends, and enemies. We grumble about the economy, politics, churches, and jobs. Often we get pulled into being judgmental, critical, and negative, because of our unprocessed inner anger and fears. Being judgmental and angry go hand-in-hand, creating a negative cycle that will continue on and on without any resolution for our complaining. However, when we take our hearts full of complaining to the Lord, quite the reverse will happen. As we talk to Him about the problems, worries, concerns, and inner strife, He has the power to lift the weight of our burdens and carry our anger. Step-by-step, we begin to look to Jesus as our place of safety, which then settles our fears. Then He gives us grace-the ability to step into a positive, optimistic cycle- undoing the cycle of negativity-creating a new way to live in this world. Only God can bring our lives out of the prison of negativity into the freedom of positive confession, praise, and a hopeful,thankful spirit. It is ironic that complaining to God in order to release will bring us to the place where we are able to let go of the negative and move forward to the positive.

“I pour out my complaint before Him; I tell before Him my trouble” (Psalm 142:2).