GRUMBLING
Mechelle Holbrook
Today’s Scripture: “And the whole congregation of the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness.” Exodus 16:2, ESV
Theme: When we find ourselves in the desert, we often wrongly choose grumbling instead of worship.
FIRST WORLD PROBLEMS
Choosing gratitude over grumbling is difficult; I seem to do my fair share of grumbling. I chose this Scripture because I need to work in this area as well. I may have recently complained about a meal that didn’t taste the way I wanted, waiting too long for food at a restaurant, having to cook and wash dishes, traffic, a vacation that wasn’t perfect, rainy days, the news, or my to-do list… need I say more? And the funny thing is, all of these things listed here are actually blessings—not problems.
What is that saying again? Oh yes— “First world problems.” Hmm… maybe that brings me back to reality.
Sometimes I think I might be related to those grumbling Israelites. I’m sure things were hard in the dessert, with all that chocolate cake, lemon tart, and banana pudding. Wait—that was the desert, wasn’t it? (Just trying to bring a little humor to your day.) But in all seriousness, life can be very hard, and many of us do find ourselves in dry, lonely desert seasons. The good news is that God does not minimize our pain or suffering. If you read on in Exodus 16, you see how kind our God is—even to grumbling people. He provided manna to sustain them in the desert and even quail when they complained that manna was getting tiresome.
CHOOSING GRATITUDE IN THE DESERT
When we are in the desert, we still have the ability to worship. That is never taken from us—we just have to choose it. Remember, it’s not always about how we feel, but about who we are trusting for our strength. On my prayer list right now, there are people struggling with marriages, serious health issues, addictions, and depression. Yet, even in their struggles, I’ve seen many of those same people choose gratitude instead of grumbling. And the joy I see in their lives—amid suffering—is powerful. I’ve also seen the opposite. When we choose grumbling, life becomes heavier and harder. No matter what desert you may be walking through today, I pray that gratitude to God will form on your lips. He knows. He sees. And He cares about your pain. Let Him love you the way only He can. Praise Him—not because of your desert season, but because He is worthy.
Make It Personal: Have you ever stopped to write down the times God has shown His goodness in your life? Something that helped me years ago, and that I still update occasionally, is a written timeline of God’s goodness and answered prayers. If you want to try it too, write down significant times or dates in your life when things are hard or when a big event happens. Then look back and record how God provided or worked in that situation. Update it often. It’s a wonderful way to remind yourself of what God has done—and when. And it helps you remember that the same God who was faithful then will be faithful again.
Pray: Our great God, what can we say to truly thank You and show our gratitude? Forgive us when grumbling comes so easily, and gratitude comes so slowly and reluctantly. We don’t want to be people who fail to learn from the Israelites’ mistakes. You are worthy because of the sacrifice You made for us on the cross. While we were still sinners, You died for us. And one day, if we have accepted the free gift of Jesus, we will be with You in heaven, worshiping You forever. Help me start that worship now. We don’t want the rocks to cry out on our behalf. May gratitude be on my lips continually. Amen.
Read: Numbers 11:1-6, Philippians 2:14-15, Luke 17:11-19, Luke 19:40
Weekly Memory Verse: "Do all things without grumbling or disputing.” Philippians 2:14, ESV