Sticks and Stones

“Oh God, listen to my complaint.” Psalm 64:1

The Complaint Department is one place I would never want to work. By the time an individual reaches the Complaint Department they have already tried to solve their problem and are ready to talk with someone in charge. It takes a special kind of person to hear and rectify problems. Frankly, I don’t think I am that special.

King David has some mental and emotional unrest. Individuals have done him wrong. They have spoken untruths and schemed against him. King David has had enough. He decided to take his complaints to the Head of the department. He uses the word listen. Listen, translated as hear, means hear, listen to and obey. David was saying to God, “Listen and do something about this!”

Fortunately, I have never been on the receiving end of vindictive and intentional harm. However, I have had untruths said about me and I know first-hand the old adage “sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me” is simply not true. Words hurt as much as sticks and stones. When sticks and stones were hurled at me I wish I could say I took the high road and went straight to the Head of Complaint Department. Nope. I typically go to the phone rather than the Throne. David has taught me a great lesson today.

I love that David; the King of Israel and powerful warrior, man-after-God’s own heart gave us permission to complain to the Lord. What a relief! Too often I think God is not interested in my petty problems. I need to remember He is waiting to hear, listen, and do something about problems. King David trusted God to bring justice to him and we can do the same.