Rock Climbing—the Cure for a Grumbling Heart

Grumbling. Have you ever found yourself complaining (maybe only to yourself) or struggling with negative attitudes? I know I have. It is an age-old human dilemma. The children of Israel found themselves grumbling as they trekked across the desert, and God was so displeased with them that He did not allow the grumbling generation to enter the Promised Land (Numbers 14).

I'm beginning to understand that a grumbling heart is the result of self-focused thoughts. (You may have known this for years. I tend to be a slow learner.) I am currently teaching Philip Yancey's study entitled, Prayer, Does It Make Any Difference? In one of the video segments, Yancey talks about the biblical command to pray continually. To explain this concept, he describes how we all have internal conversations going on all the time. So many of these thoughts center upon self-Am I comfortable? What are others thinking of me? Will I be able to do what I want? etc.

These self-focused thoughts are a natural human tendency, yet they can easily lead us to discouragement and frustration. Life is full of problems. Every day is filled with struggle. Things break down, we get sick, people make mistakes-stuff happens! Because life is full of challenges, when I allow "me" to take center stage in my thoughts, a grumbling heart is usually the result. Let me illustrate it this way-thoughts that are self-focused quickly turn to grumbling when a restaurant server messes up the order, a tire is flat, someone says something you disagree with, or a friend needs care on your day off.

Yancey describes one of the greatest benefits of prayer as the ability to take "self" off of center stage and allow God to take that place. When we strive to be constantly aware of God's presence, and obey the command to pray continually, we are able to view each moment through God's perspective. His viewpoint is so different from ours. David knew that it was only in prayer that we would gain a different perspective. He prayed, "Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I" (Psalm 61:1,2, NIV, emphasis added).

As we pray continually, we begin dwelling on that "Rock that is higher than I." We are able to see our everyday circumstances from God's perspective. Our faith is strengthened and we can believe that He is truly working all things together for our good. We'll discover that most difficult circumstances are an opportunity to allow God's love to flow through our life. A grumbling heart sees the long checkout line as a personal inconvenience; but from the "Rock," we see it as the opportunity to show supernatural patience and kindness to a frazzled checkout clerk.

So when your heart grows faint, and you find yourself grumbling-pray. Ask God to lead you to the Rock that is higher than you. His viewpoint will change your entire perspective!

KERRY CLARENSAU has served in ministry with her husband, Mike, for over 20 years. She has held a variety of ministry positions in the Kansas District and in the national office. Currently she and Mike serve as pastors at Maranatha Worship Center in Wichita, Kansas, where she teaches an adult Sunday school class and oversees ministry to women. Kerry also serves as Leadership Development Coordinator for the National Women's Department.