I Complained

TITLE: I COMPLAINED
SCRIPTURE: PSALMS 77:1-15


Our main focus this morning will be upon VS. 3 – I am sure that we all can find ourselves in the midst of this verse. I lift up as a thought to you this morning – I Complained– I know we don’t like to admit it but Truth be Told - we all are guilty of complaining along the way. Some of us did some Complaining before we left the house on our way to Church this morning. Some of us did some complaining in the Pews already this morning.

When I read this text a few days ago after the leading of the Holy Spirit, the first thing that came to mind was a song that has been very popular over the past 20+ years, matter of fact we heard it sung recently here at Perfected Praise Worship Center. The song is entitled “I WON’T COMPLAIN.” It is the REV. PAUL JONES (1960 – 1990) who is oftentimes credited with writing this song , however - BISHOP WILLIAM C. ABNEY actually wrote the song although it is most remembered by REV. CLAY EVANS rendition.

A few of the versus in this great song say:

I've had some good days
I've had some hills to climb
I've had some weary days
And lonely nights
But when I look around
And I think things over
All of my good days
They out weigh my bad days
So I won't complain

Sometimes the clouds are low
I can hardly see the road
I ask the question Lord
Lord, why
Lord why
Why, why, why so much pain?
But the Lord knows what's best for me
Although my weary eyes
Oh they can't see
So I'll just say thank you Lord
Thank you Lord
Thank you Lord
I won't complain

Here is what I have learned, we love to sing the song - we will wreck a church and fall out all over the floor, when the song is sung with the Anointing of the Lord. But the bottom line is the fact that for the majority of us it is a great song – BUT IN REALITY WE DO COMPLAIN! Just be honest and high five your neighbor and say “YES I DO COMPLAIN.”

I thought about using the title this morning – “I Won’t Complain” – but I would rather KEEP IT REAL. If I used the title I Won’t Complain – I would have your husband or wife or children look at you funny like – I Know You Are Not Saying Amen. So let’s talk about this topic this morning – I Complained. Even in our text this morning the writer fully ADMITS to COMPLAINING. Does not try to hide behind a song, does not try to fool God, simply admits and says I Complained.

This particular Psalm was written by a Jew who lived during the time of exile. Those were difficult times for the people of Israel - they were scattered away from their homeland. And as he looked at his nation, the psalmist could not see any hope of an end to the hardship his people were going through. We can feel his AGONY in this chapter. He was pouring his heart out to God. He was SAD – TIRED – DEPRESSED. In such a situation, there were many questions - unanswered questions. And he found himself pouring out these questions to God:
• Will the Lord reject forever?
• Will he never show his favor again?
• Has his unfailing love vanished forever?
• Has his promise failed for all time?
• Has God forgotten to be merciful?
• Has he in anger withheld his compassion?

Have you ever had some