Paul writes in Philippians 2:14, “Do everything without grumbling or arguing,” and then in Philippians 4:4 he says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”
I once gave up complaining for lent and so I consider myself a bit of an expert here. If anything, attempting to give up all complaining for lent taught me how easy it is to complain. As I prayerfully reflect on how these instructions in Scripture are possible, I come to the conclusion that the only way, I believe, is if trust in God reigns supreme in our lives—surpassing every circumstance.
This trust is not just the kind of trust that merely looks to God for salvation someday in the future. It is an active, moment-by-moment resting in His presence. It is the kind of trust that remembers: He is good, He loves me, He is always at work, and He is with me. When this trust anchors our hearts, joy becomes possible in every situation. We might need to pause many times throughout the day and remind ourselves of these truths. When we are resting in Him, we can resist the pull to complain or grumble about what we think is lacking.
I have tasted this in my own life. There are moments when trust in God fills me, and I experience a peace and joy that nothing around me can touch. But I also know my fallenness and those times when I demand that my circumstances line up perfectly before I allow myself to be happy. But when trust in Him takes center stage in our lives, we are freed to experience the joy and peace He promises, even in the middle of a broken world.