How To Stop Whining And Bless Your Life Today

Sharing is caring!

I know. You read the title and thought . . . I’m not a whiner but __________ definitely needs this.

Rev has a saying that always makes me nod and smile…

“Whining is annoying in children but it is downright obnoxious in adults.”

It’s not that we believe it’s wrong to voice our concerns or displeasure; it’s that unpleasant nasal whine that makes it hard to listen to the words because of the sound hitting our auditory nerves.

When our children would whine they typically heard the following: “Please, use your words. My ears can’t hear that tone of voice.”

I think it was the whining complaints of the Wilderness Wanderers that initiated their lack of faith and led them to turn away from God in disobedience and idolatry.

I don’t know if social media has intensified crowd complaining or if it’s always been a problem. Honestly, I’m tempted to think the latter when I read the Biblical accounts of God’s people. All I know is wherever they are, whiny words typically read just like they sound.

Psalm 106 is a summary of humanity’s sinful behavior from the Exodus through its defeat and Babylonian captivity. The lesson for you and me is that although God allowed His people to face the consequences of their sinful choices, every time they repented God was compassionate and forgiving.

Let’s take a look at a few of the examples found in this Psalm…

• People whined and rebelled against God at the Red Sea. Even so, He saved them. (v. 7–8)
• In the wilderness, their desires ran wild, and their whining tested God’s patience. (v. 14)
• They made a calf at Mt. Sinai and bowed before that image made of gold. So, they traded their glorious God for a statue. (v. 19–20)
• They whined and refused to enter the Promised Land because they didn’t trust His promise to care for them. (v. 24)
• They joined in the worship of Baal. (v. 28)
• They complained and adopted the “evil customs of the pagans and worshiped their idols. (v. 35–36)
• They sacrificed their sons and daughters to idols. (v. 38)
• Again and again, God rescued them but they chose to rebel against Him. (v. 43)

Each time I read that list, I’m reminded of how easily whining and complaining become sinful behavior and how sinful behavior results in God allowing difficult consequences to draw people back to Himself.

I think there are 2 important lessons for us to learn from this Psalm.

1. Joining the crowd in corporate whining demonstrates a lack of faith, leads to sinful choices, and prompts painful consequences.
2. God is faithful. He is compassionate, forgiving, and good. His love endures forever.

Praise the Lord!
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
His faithful love endures forever.

Psalm 106:1

He saved them— to defend the honor of His name
and to demonstrate His mighty power.

He resuced them from their enemies
and redeemed them from their foes.

Even so, He pitied them in their distress
    and listened to their cries.
He remembered His covenant with them
    and relented because of His unfailing love.

Psalm 106:8 10, 44–45

May we genuinely repent of our whiny ways and commit to inviting the Spirit to help us KNOW, TRUST, and OBEY God’s will…

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Romans 12:2

Let’s pray…

A Prayer to Repent of Our Whining Ways
and a Plea for God’s Help

Father God, Solomon wrote, “History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. Nothing under the sun is truly new.: (Ecclesiastes 1:9) And that continues to be true thousands of years later. People continue to whine, complain, and turn to worldly sinfulness thinking that will satisfy their desires.

But the truth is, You created us to find our true satisfaction in You. You made us to KNOW, TRUST, LOVE, and OBEY You . . . and that only happens when we SEEK You rather than focusing on our worldly wanting and whining.

Please forgive me. Help me want You Lord more than I want anything this world has to offer. Please fill me with Your Spirit so that I might bear the fruit of joy, peace, patience, and all the attributes You want for me. And by Your grace, I will thank and praise You now and forever. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

So let’s take a quick look at 5 specific goals that will help us abandon our whining and enjoy life more…

5 Goals That Will Help Us Stop Whining

1. Believe God’s Promises
2. Trust God’s Timing
3. Obey God’s Will
4. Remember God’s Goodness, Grace, and Mercy
5. Focus on God’s Love

Natalie Grant wrote a beautiful song that helps me remember these truths…

More than Anything

Help me want the Healer more than the healing.
Help me want the Savior more than the saving.
Help me want the Giver more than the giving.
Help me want You, Jesus, more than anything.

May we take our concerns and needs to God in prayer without joining the crowds of whiners. May we trust His timing and perfect love. And may we count our blessings with gratitude and praise.

We would love to pray for you.
You can leave your prayer requests here…

and even take a few minutes to pray over the list left by our friends.

Never Miss an Update

Leave your email address and I’ll send you a short email every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to alert you to each new devotion. Plus you’ll receive a copy of 30 Ways to Bless Your Marriage and Keep the Spark Burning

I always enjoy hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi” and share your thoughts in the comments below.

And if this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Maybe a friend, family member, coworker, or through the links below…

Thanks again for visiting! Don’t forget to check out the links below to find additional posts that will bless you…

Sharing is caring!