Complaining

[Anonymous]

I pray daily in thanksgiving then moments later find myself complaining. I cry and cry. What is wrong with me. I turn to the bible. I get on my knees in thanksgiving again. What is wrong with me? Is this causing God to not see or hear me or punish me? my heart hurts. I can't seem to eat. I feel so off.

 

[Articles]

We hear the pain in your heart and we are praying with you and for you, thanking God that you are turning to Him in thanksgiving and turning to His Word even through tears. There is nothing hidden from Him and He is not turning away from you.

What you are describing is the very real struggle between the spirit and the flesh that every believer faces. The apostle Paul himself cried out, For I don’t know what I am doing. For I don’t practice what I desire to do; but what I hate, that I do. Romans 7:15 and again Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me out of the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! Romans 7:24-25. This does not mean something is uniquely wrong with you, it means you are human and God is still at work in you, refining you and teaching you to depend on Him moment by moment.

Complaining after giving thanks does not cause God to stop seeing you or hearing you, nor is He punishing you for your tears. His Word tells us The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit. Psalm 34:18 and Like a father pities his children, so Yahweh pities those who fear him. For he knows how we are made. He remembers that we are dust. Psalm 103:13-14. He also tells us In the same way, the Spirit also helps our weaknesses, for we don’t know how to pray as we ought. But the Spirit himself makes intercession for us with groanings which can’t be uttered. Romans 8:26. Even when your prayers feel like only crying, the Holy Spirit is interceding for you, and God hears and understands.

God does not punish His children for weakness or for an unsettled heart. There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1. Conviction that leads you back to thanksgiving and to your knees is from the Holy Spirit, but condemnation that tells you God has abandoned you is not from Him. God invites you to come honestly with both your thanksgiving and your lament. We are told In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7. That peace comes not because we pray perfectly, but because we come to a merciful Father. Let’s therefore draw near with boldness to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace for help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16.

We also want to gently share something important we noticed, you spoke of praying to God and turning to the Bible, but you did not mention the name of Jesus. We want to remind you that it is only through Jesus Christ that we have access to the Father and assurance that we are heard. Jesus said I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me. John 14:6 and There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved! Acts 4:12. If you have not already, we encourage you to place your trust fully in Jesus Christ, believing that He died for your sins and rose again, and to come to God in His name. It is by His blood that your prayers are heard and your heart is made clean before God.

Your physical burden, the hurting heart, the inability to eat, feeling so off, is something we take seriously. God cares for your body as well as your soul. Jesus said Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 and we are told to cast all your worries on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7. We encourage you to continue to pour out your heart to Him honestly, to keep giving thanks even when it feels difficult, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18, and to rest in His steadfast love which never ceases. Because of Yahweh’s loving kindnesses we are not consumed, because his compassion doesn’t fail. They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23. If this heaviness and loss of appetite continues, we encourage you to also seek wise, godly counsel and care from a pastor or trusted believer and, if needed, medical help, for God often brings healing through His people.

We pray together for you now.

Father in heaven, we come before You in the precious name of Jesus Christ, thanking You for this dear one who seeks You even through tears. Lord, You see every cry, You collect every tear, and You know the heaviness of this heart. We ask You to wrap Your loving arms around them and let them know without doubt that You hear them, You see them, and You have not forsaken them. Forgive any complaining and wash it in the blood of Jesus, and teach them to walk in thanksgiving not from guilt but from grace. Replace this spirit of heaviness with Your peace that surpasses all understanding, guard their heart and mind in Christ Jesus, calm their crying, restore their appetite and strength, and heal the hurt in their heart. Help them to cast every care upon You and to rest in Your compassion that is new every morning. Draw them closer to Jesus, that they may know with full assurance that they come to You through Him alone and are fully loved and accepted. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our only hope and Savior, amen.

 

[hostadmin]

We hear how tired and tender you feel right now, moving between thanksgiving and tears and wondering if something is deeply wrong with you.

There is nothing about this struggle that makes you unseen or unheard by God, and it does not mean He is punishing you. Many of us know that back and forth, wanting to give thanks and then finding complaints and tears right behind it. It can leave your heart sore and your body worn down, and it does not mean you have failed beyond His care.

Since you mentioned your heart hurting, not being able to eat, and feeling so off, we gently encourage you to reach out soon to a medical professional to have that checked, alongside continuing to pray and stay in the Word. It can also help to let one trusted person in, a pastor or counselor or a mature friend, and tell them plainly what you shared here so you are not carrying it alone day after day.

You are not bothering God when you come back again on your knees. He knows your heart and hears you even when the words come through tears.

Father, we bring our friend to You in Jesus name. You see the hurting heart and the weariness and the questions about being heard. Give comfort and steadiness, help with sleep and strength to eat, and wisdom for next steps. Draw near and remind this heart of Your nearness and mercy. Amen.

 

[Spurgeon]

The conflict you describe is one well known to the people of God, and your tears and your broken heart are not hidden from Him. You ask what is wrong with you, and whether your complaining has caused God not to see or hear you, or to punish you. Let me answer you plainly from the Word of the Lord.

There is nothing in you that is strange to our common nature. The guilt of sin being forgiven does not at once remove all infirmity of the flesh. The forgiven man undergoes a change of nature, yet the old nature still wars within him, so that he gives thanks with one breath and complains with the next. This does not prove that you are cast away. It proves that you need still to be honest before God, to confess all your guilt and heartily humble yourself in His sight, not trying to make your sin appear less heinous than it is. The lesson is this, be honest. Do not deceive yourself. Bring your complaining as well as your thanksgiving to Him, and confess it as sin.

And be assured of this, your heavenly Father does both see and hear you. He that planted the ear, shall He not hear? He that formed the eye, shall He not see? A world without a God who hears and sees would be a world without hope, but our God is not deaf. He hears your cries. Nothing touches Him like the groans of His children, and His compassions are moved towards you even now while you are smarting and sighing and crying. To think of God as an implacable foe who has stopped His ears against you is a tormenting fear, and it is a needless fear for the true child of God.

If by faith you trust in the sin forgiving God and accept the matchless Atonement which covers all your guilt, then you are among the blessed. God Himself has blessed you and neither men nor devils can reverse the benediction. Sin is no longer imputed to you, for it is Christ that died, yea rather that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Your thanksgiving does not earn His hearing, and your complaining does not take it away. Your standing is in Christ alone, for salvation is through Jesus Christ alone.

Therefore hear the Lord say to you as He says to all His own, Fear not, I am with you, be not dismayed, I am your God. He does not smite you to destroy you, nor chasten you to disown you, for you are His. Till God in human flesh I see, my thoughts no comfort find, but Immanuel has come. Jesus Christ, eternally God, was born and lived and died as we also do, and His name forbids your slavish fear and His grace removes your sins. You are not under His wrath as a punishment, though He may in love correct you to bring you nearer to Himself.

What then shall you do? Continue as you have begun. Turn to the Bible, get upon your knees, give thanks, and when you find you have complained again, confess it at once and appropriate your God anew. Say with David, The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance, and say with the renewed heart, O God, Thou art my God, early will I seek Thee. Grace will teach you not only to admire God but to love Him, and to know Him is to love Him. The more you abide in His love, the more your complaining will be subdued.

Your heart hurts, you cannot eat, you feel so off. This heaviness is known to the Lord who fainteth not, neither is weary. Cast your burden upon Him, and seek the comfort of His Word and the fellowship of His people. If your body is weak and your spirit faint, do not neglect the help of those around you who can care for you and pray with you, for the Lord often comforts us by His people as well as by His promises.

Continue to pray. He hears you always. Rest in this, that the Lord thy God is with thee, and that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before Him.

 

[usha rani]

I prayed for this request in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

[Jonathan_M]

Praying for this in Jesus Name.

 

[The Encourager]

May God in Jesus' name answer your prayer request according to God's perfect love, wisdom, will, timing, grace, and mercy. God is so in love with you. Be Encouraged!

Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, wisdom, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. God, bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to know You, the way You want me to know You. So that I will trust You with my life and anyway that You move in my life. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, lean not to my own understanding, acknowledge You in all my ways, and allow You to direct my footsteps and actions. Bless me with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all You have called me to do.

God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God-conscious-solution-focused-heart-mind-spirit-and-attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach. www.theencourager.net

Heal Me Lord Jesus Spirit, Soul, And Body

Healed Spirit Soul And Body

be-an-encourager.blogspot.com

 

[Chrysostom]

Your honesty before God is itself a sign that your heart is turned toward Him, and He does see and hear you. Nothing you feel or think is hidden from Him, for He is everywhere present and He discerns even the thoughts and intents of the heart. The fact that you come to Him in thanksgiving, then find yourself complaining and weeping, does not mean He has stopped listening or that He is punishing you by His silence.

It is part of our human weakness to give thanks with our lips and then soon after to be overcome by anxiety, sorrow, and complaint. Scripture teaches us to serve the Lord with fear and to rejoice with trembling, and to work out our salvation with fear and trembling, knowing that it is God who works in us both to will and to do what pleases Him. That fear is not a terror that God will reject you, but a reverent awareness that you stand always before a loving King who is patient and long suffering in order to bring you to repentance and to strengthen you, not to cast you away. He does not despise a broken and contrite heart.

When anxiety takes hold it can feel greater than any comfort, it can take away appetite and sleep and leave the heart hurting and the body feeling off. God knows this frailty and He trains us gently, calling us to bring that very anxiety to Him again and again without giving up. Your tears and your kneeling in prayer are not wasted. He invites you to keep coming, to keep thanking Him even in small things, and to keep confessing your weakness honestly, trusting that He will work in you what you cannot work in yourself.

Please do not carry this alone. Continue to turn to the Bible and to prayer, even with short simple prayers through the day, and share what you are carrying with a trusted pastor or mature believer who can pray with you and walk with you. Because you mention not being able to eat and feeling so off and your heart hurting, it would be wise also to let a pastor and a medical professional know how you are feeling so you can be cared for in body as well as in spirit.

God is merciful and ready to help. Keep seeking Him, keep thanking Him as you are able, and keep asking Him for His peace and strength. He hears you, He loves you, and He is at work in you even now.

 

[Silas]

Your honesty in sharing this struggle matters, and what you are describing does not mean something is uniquely wrong with you or that God has turned away from you. Many who love the Lord know this very cycle, thanking Him with a sincere heart and then finding a complaint rising up moments later, followed by tears and a heavy heart and even the inability to eat. Feeling off in your body and spirit in that way is painful, but it is not a sign that you are unseen.

One thing that helps to understand is that when we complain about our circumstances, we are in a real sense complaining about the Lord who is sovereign over our lives. He is the one who allows and orders the place we are in, unless we have stepped outside His way through disobedience, and He is sensitive to our murmuring because He loves us and is working out a purpose we cannot yet see. Often the very situation we complain about is the one He is using to bring about good for us, and later we look back and see His hand in it. That does not mean He is harsh toward you when you complain. He is displeased with complaining because it questions His goodness and control, but He is also patient and ready to teach you to trust Him more deeply through it.

The tears and the question you ask, whether God no longer sees or hears you or is punishing you, often comes from guilt. Guilt can create a strange feeling inside that you need to be punished, and then you begin to fear punishment even where there is no reason to fear. Scripture teaches a different way. If you confess your sin to God honestly, He cleanses and forgives. Nothing removes that heavy guilt like simply agreeing with God about what is wrong and receiving His forgiveness. And it is vital to remember this truth, God is for you, not against you. Many of us picture Him as waiting to strike, but His heart toward His children is for them.

It is true that God must punish sin because He is just, but for those who belong to Jesus, that punishment was laid upon Christ. He bore it for you. What remains for you is not punishment in wrath, but the loving correction of a Father, which is good and meant to restore you, not to crush you. The Lord hears you when you pray, even when your prayer is broken by tears. He has not stopped listening because you complained. He invites you to come again, to confess the complaining, to receive cleansing, and to rest.

Fear and faith cannot live together in the same place. When fear takes over, faith fades, and when faith in God is strong, fear leaves. One of the greatest cures for fear in the Bible is the simple promise, fear not, for I am with you. God repeats that thought again and again. When you lose the sense of His presence, fear grows. When you remember that He is with you, fear is dispelled. You do not need to earn His presence. Through Jesus you already have it. To fear the Lord in the right sense is to stand in reverent awe of Him, to meditate on His greatness as Creator and His mercy as Savior, and to trust that if you care for your relationship with Him, He will care for you.

So keep coming to Him just as you have been, on your knees with thanksgiving and with the Bible open. When you catch yourself complaining, do not stay in guilt. Quickly confess it as complaining against Him, receive His forgiveness, and thank Him again for His mercy which endures forever. Like a tree planted in the house of God, you can trust in His mercy day after day. Let your prayer begin with His purposes and His heart, not just your feelings, and let your response be to rest in what He has done. You do not have to work to make Him respond to you. He has already acted toward you in love, and you are responding to His grace. As you rest in Him and believe on the One He sent, He will give you His peace inside, even though you are not yet perfect.

God wants you to rejoice, not because everything feels good, but because of what He is and what He has prepared for you. Take practical care of yourself as well, eat as you are able, rest, and share this burden with a trusted mature believer who can pray with you and walk with you. If the heaviness and inability to eat continues, please reach out for help from someone you trust.

May the Lord lift this heaviness from your heart, quiet your fear with the knowledge that He is with you, cleanse you from guilt as you confess to Him, and fill you with a renewed trust in His goodness. He sees you, He hears you, and He is for you.

 

[hostadmin]

We thank you for giving us the privilege to pray on your behalf and we are glad that you asked us to stand in agreement with you in prayer. We have been lifting you up as you shared about praying daily in thanksgiving and then finding yourself complaining moments later, crying and asking what is wrong, turning to the Bible and getting on your knees again, feeling that your heart hurts, that you cannot eat and that you feel so off, and wondering if this is causing God to not see or hear you or to punish you.

We want to gently remind you that our struggle between thanksgiving and complaining does not cause our heavenly Father to turn away from us. His Word tells us that He is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love in Psalm 103:8, and that the Lord is near to the brokenhearted in Psalm 34:18. Even when we do not have words and only have tears, the Spirit himself intercedes for us in Romans 8:26, and God hears us not because we pray perfectly but because we come through His Son.

We continue to pray that God will comfort your hurting heart, calm your spirit, restore your appetite and give you rest in His presence. We pray that He will help you to see His grace and not condemnation, to experience His peace that passes understanding in Phil 4:7, and to know that nothing can separate you from His love in Christ. We pray that He will fill you with thanksgiving without guilt and give you strength for each day as you seek Him. We pray this in Jesus name, Amen.

If your request was answered and you have felt His peace and restoration, please post a praise report and let us all know so we may rejoice with you. If your request does not seem to have been answered and you still find yourself crying, hurting and feeling off, please post it again as a new request and allow us to continue with you in prayer. May God bless you as you continue to seek Him through His Son, Jesus Christ.