Job 7:11 Therefore I will not refrain my mouth; I will speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.
Job’s natural response to his intense suffering is to complain. Naturally. Job’s honest reaction is to speak aloud and cry out to God and anyone who will listen. His spirit is in anguish and his soul is bitter.
We also speak out and complain when trouble and pain or loss comes our way. But complaints can be used as a reminder to pray instead. Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God will guard your hearts in Christ Jesus.”
Complain or pray is the choice we have when trouble comes. The choice we make depends on our understanding of our God’s relationship with us. Is He looking at us with Law or with Gospel? Job says God is a watcher or observer. Is He watching us to see if we trip up or make a mistake, or is He watching over us to protect and bless us? If we see a vindictive, judgmental God then we will complain. If we see a loving, forgiving God then we will pray.
Job endured a lot, but through it all he learned his lessons. He repented of his sinful condition and believed God is God and that God is good. The Holy Spirit uses the experiences of life to teach us just that through the Word. The school of experience is a great teacher, but it needs the Word and the Spirit to apply the right view of God to our faith and life. How you see God’s relationship with you determines your response. Does He observe us with critical scrutiny or with compassion? The Gospel tells us the answer.