There are times when I just need to vent. I am frustrated and my circumstances aren’t changing as quickly as I’d like. I usually recognize that my attitude needs an adjustment, but I’m annoyed with a situation or overwhelmed, and feel the need to share the burden of that frustration with someone else.
I am very grateful to those special people in my life who allow me to vent their direction. God has provided some faithful friends and encouraging family members who are an excellent sounding board.
However, I have become aware of the fact that if all I do when I talk with someone is vent, she won’t likely want to talk with me the next time. I become a “Negative Nelly,” if I only share the anger, the frustration, or the burden.
With this warning in mind, I have become more diligent about sharing in the joy, especially as it relates to what I was previously venting about. When I share this joy, it becomes an opportunity to give God the glory for an answered prayer. I see His hand at work and recognize that I am not forgotten or alone.
Whatever I vented about may not be totally resolved, but I can recognize the joy in the moment and thank God for it. I can share that joy with a friend and count the blessings, not just the frustrations.
Here are a few tips to remember when venting and rejoicing.
When venting, remember:
• Don’t speak ill of others.
• Don’t gossip.
• Don’t place blame.
• We all have bad days.
• It’s okay to share burdens.
• God’s got this and things will get better.
• Pray!
When sharing joy, remember:
• God was listening and walking with you in the vent.
• Give God the glory and the thanks.
• Enumerate the answered prayers.
• The number of blessings outweighs the number of overwhelmed days.
• Rejoicing with others is so much sweeter than rejoicing alone!
“Rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn...” (Rom. 12:15). Sounds a lot like venting and joining in the joy together.