October 19

Even today my complaint is bitter. His hand is heavy despite my groaning. — Job 23:2 BSB

Job wasn’t rebellious—he was expressing the intensity of his pain. Even when we submit to God’s will, it can be difficult to keep from crying out in anguish. As children of God, we should strive to bear our sufferings without complaint, though sometimes the pain may be too overwhelming to fully repress. However, even in our cries of pain, there should be no rebellion against God in our hearts.

An English writer tells the story of two birds in a cage. One bird kept flying against the bars in a desperate attempt to escape, bruising its wings in the process. The other bird perched on the bar and began to sing sweetly. We know which bird was wiser—the one that accepted its circumstances and made the best of them.

Some people are like the first bird—when trouble comes, they fight, complain, and resist. They only end up hurting themselves and deepening their misery. It is far wiser, and more pleasing to God, to face our trials with patience and faith. Instead of complaining, we should sing songs of trust. This attitude takes the bitterness out of suffering and turns it into something sweeter.