06.15.10
Groaning vs. Grumbling in Suffering
Do you ever think you are groaning but you are actually grumbling? Sometimes, we mistake one for the other.
We are always suffering in some way and we are always sinning in some way. Our very nature is sinful and our interaction with the world and other sinners brings suffering into our lives, daily. Being a Christian is living with the reality of both sin and suffering and Seeing and Savoring Jesus as our Savior and Redeemer in both. Thankfully, our identity is neither sinner or sufferer. It is in Christ that we find our hope, strength, and identity. Love incarnate comes down to rescue us in the midst of both sin and suffering.
When I am suffering, I am tempted to grumble. Like the Israelites grumbled at God, displeased with his provision, my discontent heart throws a fit at God. Whether it is being overwhelmed with my schedule and tasks or being heavily burdened down by conflicts and relationship strain; I start to enter the pity party zone and snuggle up to grumbling. Feels like a nag in my heart, robbing peace and joy in Christ. Grumbling is often masked with prayer requests, tears, and sharing for the sake of raw authenticity. We think we are groaning, but we often are grumbling.
So, then– what is a Godly response to suffering?
2 Corinthians 5:2a
For in this tent we groan,longing to put on our heavenly dwelling.
We often are de-sensitized to the drama of suffering. From stories of rape, incest, betrayal, natural disasters, divorce, abuse, whatever it is– we respond with as much love as we know how to give. Each of our stories are marked with suffering. Even now, we can see suffering’s stain on our daily lives. Whether it be sickness or financial strain, how can we reconcile suffering with faith?
I need a savior for my past sin and suffering, my current sin and suffering, and my future sin and suffering.
Groaning is a response to the reality of how broken our world is and how desperate we are for God’s presence and power. We groan when we are in need. We groan when we are calling out for help. Our HOLY and FAITHFUL God hears our cries, our groaning.
Romans 8:22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.
Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.
In contrast, grumbling is displeasure, discontentment, and flat out complaining to God. Remember the whining heart of Martha at Jesus, tattle telling on Mary in Luke 10. She asked for help from Jesus, but she did so through grumbling and her mind set on her own agenda.
Grumbling isn’t just putting out negative vibes. It is– when I say in my heart or out loud, God you aren’t good.. A Subtle Unbelief. God is slow to anger with my grumbling just like he was with the Israelites in the wilderness. God who is constantly and miraculously giving mercy is abounding in steadfast love.
We are called to this:
Philippians 2:14-16 Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.
There is real suffering and pain. We need to humble ourselves and cry out to our savior, asking him to show us how to worship him in our responses to suffering. I stand with assurance that Jesus is my redeemer and I am loved. Responding to suffering– is an opportunity to enjoy Jesus and point to his grace. I can worship Jesus by observing his suffering, his humility, enduring cross. And, in some way by my groaning in suffering I am sharing in his suffering.
Won’t you call out in weakness to God for help, a deep down groan for aid? Will you resist the temptation to throw a fit in your heart either in silence or aloud? Groaning is honest, humble, and a reflection of our belief that God is faithful to walk with us in suffering. Groaning is worshipful, because it magnifies God’s holy character and our need for Him. Our weakness is obvious and our joy is more abundant. Groaning is coming face to face with Christ’s ultimate suffering in our place and the grace he gives us to suffer for His glory.