Pray instead of complain

Psalm 39 could be summed up by saying it’s in our best interest (and the interest of others) to pray instead of complain.

“I said, “I will guard my ways, lest I sin with my tongue; I will restrain my mouth with a muzzle, while the wicked are before me.” I was mute with silence, I held my peace even from good; and my sorrow was stirred up. My heart was hot within me; while I was musing, the fire burned. Then I spoke with my tongue: “Lord, make me to know my end, and what is the measure of my days, that I may know how frail I am.” (Psalm 39:1-4 NKJV)

Why pray instead of complain?

1. For our own sake! Complaining won’t change our condition. It can actually makes things worse.
2. For the sake of others. Complaining is not a good example of faith before the eyes (or ears) of an unbeliever.
3. For the sake of God. Complaining instead of praying can lead to spiritual consequences … consequences the Lord will use as discipline. The long-suffering of God would rather hear us talk about our difficulties with him than complaining to ourself or others.

Complaining is a bad habit to break, but I’ve heard bad habits are easier to break with good habits – good habits like prayer.

“Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear to my cry; do not be silent at my tears; for I am a stranger with You, a sojourner, as all my fathers were. Remove Your gaze from me, that I may regain strength, before I go away and am no more.” (Psalm 39:12-13 NKJV)