I have difficulty all the time and find myself venting related to that difficulty. I have found also that no one really cares what I have to say in those instances. They are only interested in what they think and do. My interests are not taken seriously and by venting I am only making myself look as though I am not willing to take on the challenge. Whereas I know that not to be he case, those around me, blinded by their own perspective, only see their way and as I do not fall into their way, I am simply the complainer.
“1I said, ‘I will guard my ways, that I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle, so long as the wicked are in my presence.’ 2I was mute and silent; I held my peace to no avail, and my distress grew worse.” – Psalm 39:1-2 (ESV)
In these verses, I see that holding my tongue is the right approach. I should not allow myself to be the “bad mouth” in those situations. I am to keep things to myself related to the difficulty and vent up to God and allow Him to take care of that which needs taking care of. As far as I know, and that is the most difficult part, God has this suffering in His plan for me so that I am able to reach others through my actions and not just my words. And that is where the next part of the passage come in.
“3My heart became hot within me. As I mused, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue:” – Psalm 3:3 (ESV)
That emotion that builds up inside, I need to get it out. I am allowed to vent, but not like one would think. I should be letting out the steam and emotion of the situation and lift up praise and worship to God. I should be singing and shouting to Him and not to those around me. He is the only one that will truly hear me and will take action to comfort and protect me. He will wrap His arms around me and let me know that He has got it and will take care of it. He may not let me in on the when, how, or even why I was going through it, but He will take care of it and I will be rewarded for my endurance.
When things seem to be out of my hands, I have to remember to turn them and my eyes to God and allow for His work to be done. Frustrations will come and I have to remember to lift them up in the form of praise and worship to God as opposed to complaints to those around.
When you are met with challenges, what is your approach to dealing with them? Do you find yourself in the mindset of letting everyone know how you are feeling? What if you were to turn to God and vent to Him in the form of praise and worship with your tongue?
Trevor's Thoughts 