How to Complain to God (and Glorify Him Doing It)
Based on Psalm 64
I have three daughters, all under five. Their little minds and giant hearts are learning how to express themselves—and how to complain. I do a decent job of telling them not to whine. One method I use is helping them share their feelings. I’ve even used feelings charts to guide them. I sit and listen. I try to be gentle.
But sometimes... I lose my patience. Especially when my plate is full or my body’s in pain.
When I’m stressed or hurt, I find myself repeating patterns from how I was treated during my childhood. Yet at the same time, I’m on a journey of learning a better way—a holy way—to complain.
This morning, while reading Psalm 64, God showed me something that, I believe, can change how we express our frustration, not just with people, but with Him.
Let’s dive in and learn how to complain to God!
🔥 The Psalmic Pattern of Holy Complaint
(from Psalm 64)
🙇♂️ 1. Posture Yourself Before God
“Hear me, my God, as I voice my complaint…” (v.1)
Before David analyzes the situation or fights back, he approaches the throne. He brings his heart honestly before God.
The first step in a godly complaint isn’t to fix the problem, hide your pain, or suppress your emotions. It’s to speak to God. This is relational, not reactive.
👉 Application: Start with God, not the problem. Speak honestly. Give Him your heart before you raise your voice. Yes, even if what’s in your heart sounds ugly—He can handle it. (He won’t lose His temper. He is not like your earthly dad—He’s the perfection of your earthly dad, who loves you far more than you can imagine.)
🎯 2. Proclaim with Expectation Based on God's Character
“But God will shoot them with his arrows…” (v.7)
Here’s the faith turn—the pivot that reveals how well you know Him.
David doesn’t just rehearse his pain—he remembers God’s power. He shifts from “they’re attacking me” to “God will act.”
This isn't blind optimism. It’s confidence anchored in God’s history of faithfulness. David spent enough time with God that even in the dark, he could steer the rudder of his soul toward the light.
👉 Application: Don’t just unload. Declare. What do you believe God will do? This comes through a daily relationship. As you spend time in His presence, your declarations will grow.
🌍 3. Realign with God’s Greater Purpose
“All people will fear; they will proclaim the works of God…” (v.9–10)
Pain has a purpose. When God moves, it’s not just to give us personal relief, but to bring public glory.
David sees the bigger picture: his breakthrough leads to others' worship. His personal rescue becomes communal rejoicing.
👉 Application: Ask, “How might God use this for His fame, not just my freedom?”
✍️ My Story Using This Method
As you read above, I’m a dad. I’m also training for two races: a 30-mile ultramarathon at the end of July and a 100-miler in September. However, I recently tweaked something in my upper right glute during my morning ice plunges. Now, I can barely run a mile without grimacing—when I was averaging over 70 miles a week.
Naturally, I’ve been frustrated.
Yesterday, my daughter disrespected me, and I lost it. My tone was sharp. My response wasn’t loving.
This morning, I sat in the presence of God. With unclenched fists, I complained. And after reading Psalm 64, He reminded me how to complain like a son.
Here’s how it looked:
🙇♂️ Posture – Honest Before God
“Father, I’m frustrated. My body isn’t doing what I want it to. I’m trying to be present and loving, but today I got irritated with my daughter. I felt short-tempered—not because of her, but because I’m tired and hurting. I don’t want to lead from frustration. I need You.”
(This reflects Psalm 64:1 — voicing your complaint to God with relational honesty, not performance.)
🎯 Proclaim – Based on Who He Is
“But You are my Healer. You are restoring me—body, mind, and spirit. Your timing is perfect, even when I don’t understand it. You’ve never failed me, and You won’t start now. I trust that even in this delay and pain, You are working.”
(This echoes Psalm 64:7 — the “But God” moment. We shift from frustration to faith.)
🌍 Purpose – For His Glory
“So Lord, use this. When I choose love over irritation, when I respond with gentleness even when I feel weak, my wife and daughters see You in me. This isn’t just about recovery—it’s about You. Keep forming Jesus in me so my family sees what supernatural love looks like under pressure.”
(This reflects Psalm 64:9–10 — the wider lens of God using our trials for His glory.)
In Short:
“God, I’m frustrated… but You are healing me. And when I respond with Your love, even in pain, my family sees You.”
💪 Never Finished Challenge: Complain!
Yes, you read that right. You have permission to complain—as a son, not a victim.
Use this rhythm as a spiritual workout:
Posture → Proclaim → Purpose
🙇♂️ Come humbly to God → 🎯 Declare what God will do → 🌍 Realign with His glory
Write your own. Speak it aloud. Teach it to your kids.
🌅 What Does Today Say About God?
Presence.
I slept in this morning and woke up at 4:30 AM so my body could rest and recover. I thought about pressing the snooze button, but I’ve regretted every single time I’ve done that. Yet, I’ve never once regretted waking up to be in God’s presence.
His presence is worth a thousand sleepless nights.
He knows exactly what I need.
This morning, He met me with my insecurities and all.
He didn’t turn away.
He gave me language. He gave me love. He gave me Himself.
I am one of billions…
And yet, He personally wrapped His arms around me as if I were the only one.
And He wants to do that with you, too.
What a Father.
What a King.
What a Friend.
Thank you, Jesus.