I’ve been reading a book entitled Second Forgetting. It is subtitled “Remembering the Power of the Gospel During Alzheimer’s Disease” by Dr. Benjamin Mast. In a chapter called The Challenges of Giving Care Dr. Mast had a discussion of Groaning vs Grumbling. While he specifically geared it to the caregiver’s attitude, I saw it as applicable to all of us. I’d like to share his thoughts this morning.
He writes,
“There is a critical difference we need to note. Groaning is not grumbling. When we groan, we must learn to do it without grumbling, trusting in the faithfulness of God and His promises.”
“Groaning and grumbling can seem similar, but biblically they are quite different. Both are responses to suffering, but their sources and their direction are different. Groaning is a response to the weight of suffering, and it is directed toward God as an honest expression of pain, grief, and sorrow. Grumbling also reflects the weight of suffering but it springs from anger and resentment toward God…Grumbling expresses an element of hope in God…but grumbling reflects a lack of hope and faith and is accompanied by a sense of doom.” (Quote edited by me…pages 84-85)
As I read that I was reminded of what the Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 2:14: “Do everything without complaining and arguing.” (New Living Translation) (Some translations say, “Do everything without grumbling or complaining.”). Honestly, I have found myself doing both from time to time. When I’m at the end of my rope or my own strength, I cry out to God for help (groaning). But I have also complained when life is not going as I want it to (grumbling).
It doesn’t take a caregiver to do one of the other. I can say that life is much more satisfying when I’m groaning for God’s presence and help (found in the Scripture like Psalm 42: 1-2:”As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. I thirst for God, the living God.”) than when I’m complaining about what’s happening.
What about you? Groan or grumble?
May we groan in the presence of God as He knows our pain and suffering and can hold us close to Him. Grumbling only serves to increase our sense of self-pity and, dare I say, entitlement.
Great reflection here, Bill!
Blessings!
Thanks Martha and you stated it well as to what happens when we choose one over the other.
Good point Bill, so true. I think of Paul a lot and all the suffering he went through, but he never was angry at God for it, he continue to praise God through the pain. Father, I pray that when I go through trials instead of listing all of things that I do not want to deal with, that instead I list all the ways You will help me through it. Give me a heart that is strengthened towards faith through trials, draws me closer to You. I do not want a hardened heart that refuses to learn and points blame at God, when God is the only one that can help me through it. Keep my eyes and trust in God alone.
Love your prayer Gail. I want to keep remembering what God has done and what He has brought me through rather than bemoan what I see as a bad lot in life. thanks for the prayer.
Both at times… Sometimes in the same breath.
Yep. Know what you mean.