Cause of Death: Grumbling

“But the people grew impatient on the way; they spoke against God and against Moses, and said, ‘Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!’” Numbers 21 v 4-5.

I am amazed at how much and how easily I grumble. Much of it can seem minor and innocuous, like a negative comment about the weather. Other times it’s more significant, as when I vocalise my unhappiness about a situation I find myself in – or a negative comment about the ‘hand’ I’ve been dealt.

God hates grumbling. Our readings through Exodus and Numbers have shown this very clearly. The people grumble – usually against Moses, and God becomes angry with them. If a death certificate were to be written for those who died in the wilderness, the majority of them would have to say: Cause of Death: Grumbling.

Grumbling has the effect of making God look like He’s ineffective, has no power, control or interest in the situation we are encountering. Or it makes Him look like a God who has bad intentions for His people; a God who has ‘brought us out into the wilderness to die.’

How different things might have looked for the Israelites if they had applied a Philippians 4 v 6 approach to their concerns: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

How different the outcome might have been if they had prayed instead of grumbled. “Oh Lord, please help us with our food and water situation. Thank you for what you have already given us, please continue to provide. We believe you have a great future planned for us, and we thank you for the great miracles that have got us to this point. This wilderness journey can seem challenging, but you are a mighty God, and we trust you are in control.”

Let us not fall into the same hole that they did. Instead of grumbling, let us apply Philippians 4 v 6 to our worries, problems and difficulties. May we present our requests to God, and be thankful.

With love,
Sharon.
https://thinkythings.com/sharon/

Also new at Thinky Things this week:

Exhortation by Robert Prins

Be a Gift
30 minutes
Robert encourages us to be the gift that God created us to be for the people around us. When we become a gift to others, God can take that gift and make it grow. Be the gift God created you to be.