Find Godly Accountability

First, seek out people in your local church with whom you can speak honestly about what God is doing in your life. Men, look for godly men who can encourage and challenge you in your walk with God. Women, look for older, godly women who can pray for you and help you grow in the faith. I have several trusted people I talk with regularly, as well as friends around the country.

God uses these relationships to encourage and correct us. I’m grateful for seasoned saints who have spoken into my life and shown me what long-term faithfulness to Christ looks like. Tell someone you trust where you’re tempted to grumble and ask them to pray with you about it.

Read and Meditate on Scripture

Second, cultivate the practice of reading and meditating on God’s Word. Paul urged the Thessalonians to “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18), and he told the Philippians that he had learned to be content in plenty or in want (Philippians 4:11–12). He knew suffering and hardship, and he learned to be content through Christ who strengthened him (Philippians 4:13).

Look at Jesus. He experienced betrayal, heartbreak, and rejection, and He gave His life in our place. As our Lord, King, and High Priest, He calls us to put sin to death, including our grumbling and complaining.

When we are satisfied in Him, our hearts resound with thanksgiving. When we look elsewhere for what only Christ can give, we chase after other loves and idols.

Slow down when a passage speaks directly to your situation. The Bible is the living and active Word of God. It convicts us, corrects us, and points us to Jesus.

Find Contentment in Christ

Third, grow in your understanding of the gospel and learn to delight in Christ. Jesus died in our place for our sin and rose again. Because we belong to Him, we can put sin to death and find our joy in God.

When we grumble and complain, we act as though what God has given us falls short. We lose sight of the living water Jesus offers and forget that He is the Bread of Life.

A grumbling spirit exposes where we doubt that Christ is enough. Dwelling on our frustrations can discourage us and those around us. As we remember what Christ has done for us, we can face our troubles with a clearer sense of who we are in Him.

Put Scripture into Practice

Finally, put what you read in Scripture into practice. Grumbling is a hard habit to break. As God’s Word renews our minds, it teaches us how to respond when our plans fall apart.

When I first wrote this article, I was frustrated because my laptop had stopped working. I knew my wife, who works in IT, could fix it, and she did. I still found myself doubting and complaining. Maybe that’s where you are today, frustrated, angry, or weary.

My encouragement to you is the same reminder I preach to myself. When you’re frustrated by things beyond your control, take a walk and spend time praying. Confess your grumbling to the Lord. Preach the gospel to yourself, and thank God for a specific way He has cared for you.

We have a Savior who understands what we are going through. Because of Him, we can give thanks while the storm is still raging. He walks with us and goes before us.

Our God is faithful and mighty to save. He is our rock and our fortress. The next time you find yourself grumbling and complaining, run to Jesus. Cling to Him and abide in Him. He is all you need.