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Certain events can trigger our emotions. When those emotions are negative, such as ungodly anger, fear, pettiness, or pride, there is a high likelihood that we will end up ranting. We might call a friend to vent and soon get carried away. Before we know it, we're saying mean things and possibly even exaggerating what happened as we share the story. And the person we're telling is likely on our side, so they join us to 'gang up' on the target of our ire.
To be clear, God doesn't want us ranting about people. The reason is simple. He has told us to guard our hearts in Philippians 4:7. This means we need to let Him help us to keep our emotions stable so that people and things trigger us less. Also, when we rant, we run the risk of speaking recklessly about people God created. People, He likely is working on, just as He is working on us. If God deemed it fit to show that person grace and mercy, should we not do the same? Are we not also recipients of His forgiveness, grace, mercy, and patience?
And when we fail to be careful how we talk about others while ranting, we could gossip or slander, and lie through exaggeration or omission. In addition, when we rant, we tend to complain or grumble, two things God doesn't want us to do. We all must learn to heed the instruction of James 4:17 - If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them. God will help us to do what we know we should so that we grow in righteousness.
The most dangerous thing about being comfortable with ranting is that we may come to the Lord ranting instead of praying about people and situations. How many of us have gone before the Lord with the intention to pray only to end up ranting about someone or something? Yes, God has told His children to bring their burdens to Him (Psalm 55:22). He is kind and patient. He understands that humans hurt and that we will sometimes speak out of that pain. Jonah and Elijah did. God was gracious with them and remains so. That loving kindness means that even when we rant, He can and does show compassion (Romans 9:15). He instead pulls us into Him to receive comfort.
We, nevertheless, should not replace praying with ranting. Psalm 100:4 contains the heavenly protocol for entering His presence. We are to approach with thanks and praises. This not only pleases Him, but helps us focus less on the problems and more on the Problem Solver. Philippians 4:6-7 also tells us, Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. /And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
If we are to set our anxiety aside, it is best to put our anger and rantings aside when coming before the King of kings. In some cases, we would be more effective if we set emotions aside & pray instead. Let's be honest, that is often not easy. Imagine seeing or hearing about the unfair treatment a defenseless child receives, for instance. Most people will get angry. And yes, that righteous indignation might be a justified and valid point to pray from. But if a negative emotion will spur an uncontrolled venting session or some other sin rather than focused petition, then it may be best to calm down and be effective when we approach God.
Another reason why we should be careful how we vent our frustrations is that we may be overlooking the truth that the situation we faced was allowed by the Lord for His greater purpose. Believers often confess that all things are working together for their good per Romans 8:28. However, when something goes wrong and we start ranting, we effectively negate that scripture's promise. In so doing, we are telling God we don't trust His word to ensure that even the bad things will benefit us in the end. Remember, part of Job's suffering was a way for God to prove he was His servant. God confirmed his calling per 2 Peter 1:10. Some of the things we want to rant about are just God's way of proving we are the right fit for His purpose.
So what do we do? How do we overcome this challenge to turn away from the practice of ranting? Prayer is key. We should pray for grace and strength to emulate Jesus, who pointed out issues without ranting even under the worst circumstances. We also have to invite the Holy Spirit to caution us when we are tempted to veer into ungodly ranting. We should ask the Lord for perspective on the issue or the person involved. That way, we'll receive understanding and can better handle the situation if it repeats itself.
And when we find ourselves ranting, take a deep breath, quickly repent, and turn the complaint into a prayer point. Present what upsets us to the Lord and ask Him to handle it while also helping us to manage our emotions as He's fixing the situation. Keeping a journal to track when we rant in our spoken words, written words, or our thoughts can also reveal patterns about contributing triggers. God wants to help us, and it is time to take this issue seriously. Ranting may be a common practice in the world, but we are citizens of God's heavenly kingdom. By His grace, He will either instantly remove this seed He did not plant or wean it out of us over time, IJMN, Amen.
As you wait for fellowship at 12 Noon EST, consider reading the following previous P&P messages:
