I was complaining to God this morning about my life, on my way to the school that I teach at. “God, I think I’ve paid my dues. I’ve made sacrifices. I see that others have it so easy, just living for themselves. Why am I suffering for the sake of others when  there seem to be so little fruit? It doesn’t seem to fair…”

Before I could finish the word “fair,” my eyes fell on some men standing in front of the parking lot leading to Home Depot. They were waiting to be picked up by potential day-hirers so that they can feed themselves and their family. They are illegals who can’t work legally. So, they stand in front of Home Depot every day hoping to be hired for the day.

That got my complaining stopped. God has spoken!

Was I wrong to complain to God though? No. The Psalms are replete with complaints to God. For example:

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer,

and by night, but I find no rest.”(Psalm 22:1-2 ESV)

But then why did God punish the Israelites in the wilderness for their grumbling and complaints?

I believe there is a difference between complaining TO God and complaining ABOUT God. David complained TO God about his circumstances. But the Israelites complained ABOUT God to each other about their circumstances. The former is done still trusting that God will listen and do something about it, the latter done out of unbelief.

So, then what about God’s response to my complaint this morning? He’s rebuking me, which means He’s treating me like His son. And I’m glad…

Bring your burdens TO God. Even your complaints. He knows how to take it. But afterwards, be willing to listen to Him.