Then the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron:  “How long must I endure this evil community that keeps complaining about Me?  I have heard the Israelites’ complaints that they make against Me.”     (Numbers 14:26-27)
 
I cry aloud to the LORD; I lift up my voice to the LORD for mercy.  I pour out my complaint before Him …   (Psalm 142:1-2)

Are you familiar with triangulation in human relationships?  Person A has a problem with Person B, but instead of talking to B about it, A talks to Person C.  Triangulation is unhealthy and unproductive.  God doesn’t like triangulation.  He punished the Israelites severely for complaining about Him during their exodus from Egypt.  But He seems not to have minded when David complained to Him in his psalms.

This is a good reminder for all of us, but if you are one who prays, you probably already voice your complaints to God Himself.  But it also suggests a helpful response to a nominal Christian or an agnostic who is asking questions such as, Why did God allow my mother to die of cancer?  If God exists, why does He permit evil? Suggest that he take his complaining question to God directly.  You don’t have to tell him that it is a form of prayer!  A life-changing interaction may be the result.

In Christ,
Carol Gilbert, Prayer Chair
Calvary Community Church of Brea

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