“Now the people complained … .” (Numbers 11:1)
Have you noticed what’s happening in social media? It seems people just love to complain — about almost everything. Actually, complaining is a favorite hobby for many people. And when we run out of things to complain about, we complain about other people complaining!
Complaining, however, is not a new thing. In fact, it was the number one pastime for the Israelites during the wasteland years. They were only three days into their wilderness journey when they began complaining about their hardships and get this — the wilderness food! They wanted to eat something other than the manna they were getting day in and day out. They actually thought that going back to being Egyptian slaves would be so much better than being free in the wilderness!
Life, like a wilderness journey, can be tough, but when we complain, we fall into the devil’s trap. When we gripe and moan, we tend to focus on what we don’t have, as opposed to the many blessings we do have. Murmurings flow from people who think they deserve something better.
How can we, Christians complain so often when we know we are so loved by God?
The Apostle Paul calls us to do everything without complaining (Philippians 2:14). Is this possible? Yes! But only when we learn to concentrate on God’s grace in Christ. His grace can move us from complaining to appreciation. Daily we must come to God in prayer seeking help with our sinful nature.
“Let us remember that every good and perfect gift comes from the Father of Light.” (James 1:17)
Prayer
Lord help me to be filled with grateful love for your blessings and move me from complaining to appreciation for opportunities to serve you. Amen.
Stay encouraged!
Pastor Mike
