A Pause To Ponder God's Word
"No Whine Zone!"

Most people have seen the circle with a picture or word in the center and a bold line drawn through the middle. It is the international symbol for "No." It is used in many applications, such as "no smoking," "no enter," "no parking" and the like. Several years ago the individual in charge of assigning rooms for a district assembly made up his own such sign which he used at his registration table. It was very effective. He had drawn the international symbol for no and in big bold black letters wrote the word "WHINE" in the middle. Underneath the symbol he had inscribed (for those who may not have understood its meaning) "NO WHINE ZONE." This sign is popping up all over the district now.

In a recent article about today's society, the author described it as "a whining generation." This author was not the first to describe us in this way. It really does not take an expert to see that we are a complaining, griping, whining people. The church is not exempt for this societal ill. I am sure that every pastor at one time or another wished he had such a sign to hang on the door of the church. Just about then you pick up a Bible and turn to a Psalm. "How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?" (13:1-2) You flip over some pages and read, "You O God are my stronghold. Why have you rejected me? Why must I go about mourning oppressed by the enemy?" (43:2) These are just a few of the laments found in Scripture, which were used by God's people in worship. How can this be? Aren't Christians to be happy, happy, happy? Isn't our theme song "Don't worry, be happy?"

The fact is that the lament is distinctively different from complaining and whining. We are better trained to do the latter. What we need to do is the former. Walter Brueggemann in his book "Israel's Praise" states that "in Israel's speech of complaint, Israel's discernment of God and Israel's embrace of human reality converge." The lament has a firm grasp upon reality. It does not ignore the hardship and pain of life. It does not pretend it doesn't exist. It doesn't see through optimism's rose color glasses. But, an more importantly, the lament also has a proper understanding of God. It recognizes that God is the vindicator. The lament is directed to God, because the lamenter realizes that He alone is the answer. Even when feeling forsaken, God's people refuse to let go. In faith we cry out to Him.

The lament embraces human reality and with heart wrenching cry's, takes it to God. Lament is God centered, whereas whining and mere complaining are pain and self centered. Oswald Chambers in "His Utmost for Our Highest," wisely instructs intercessors to be careful not to dwell or focus on the problem and pain, but to look firmly onto Christ because if we fail to see Christ, the problem will crush us. The lamenter, teetering on the fine line that separates hurt from hate, goes to God seeking justice and vindication, knowing that He will ultimately give it. There the lamenter relinquishes the results to God and receives peace.

The church should be a "no whine zone," for it is the place where God's people can come together to lament, release, find refuge and receive peace. "But I will trust in Your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in Your Salvation." (Psalm 13:5)

Keep Close To Jesus
Pastor Gerry


A Pause To Ponder God's Word is written and distributed by Gerald Whetstone, Ordained Elder and teacher in the Church of the Nazarene. These devotionals may be transmitted, duplicated, used in part or in entirety without permission for nonprofit purposes only. Responses welcome. To Subscribe Click Here.
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