3 Minute Read

Prepare Your Heart

To the best of your ability, get rid of all distractions. Take a few minutes to breathe deeply and quiet yourself in the Lord’s presence. Then, ask the Lord to speak to you in this time. Let Him know that you will listen and make whatever adjustments He will reveal to you.

Read God’s Word

Numbers 11-12
Mark 8:22-9:1

A Verse for Today

Slowly and reflectively read the following verse(s) and listen to what God will say to you through His written Word. Consider writing down any insights He reveals to you.

Numbers 11:1 (CSB): “Now the people began complaining openly before the LORD about hardship. When the LORD heard, his anger burned, and fire from the LORD blazed among them and consumed the outskirts of the camp.”

Reflecting on God’s Word

Have you ever had the experience of someone at school or work “pushing your button?” They knew what would irritate you, so they kept doing it, and you did everything you could to remain under control?

Have you ever wondered if God has a “button?” I believe He does, and I believe we stumbled across it during today’s Bible reading. In Numbers 11:1, we observed that God became furious when the Israelites complained.

I believe that complaining pushes God’s button. Simply watch how God responded during the wilderness wandering when the Israelites complained. And they complained a lot!

What is it about complaining that gets under God’s skin? Simply this: Complaining occurs when we are not content with the script God has written for our lives. We believe that if we were writing our life’s story, we could do a much better job than God has done. So, we complain about what He has done.

Do you see that complaining, for a believer, isn’t really about the circumstances? Do you see that complaining is really against the Author who put those things into our lives?

That’s why God didn’t like it when the Israelites complained, and He doesn’t like it when we complain.

So, what’s the answer when we find our hearts moved to complain? What can we do about it? Here are just a few instructions from God’s Word that will all but kill a complaining spirit:

  • Find a reason to be thankful for everything you experience and express that gratitude to God (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Ephesians 5:20).
  • Learn to be content in every situation you find yourself in (Philippians 4:11-13; 1 Timothy 6:6-8).
  • Wisely strive to discern what lessons God may be teaching you in the difficult times and then find joy in God’s purposes (James 1:2-4).

Spend Time in Prayer

  • Ask God to forgive you for the times you have complained about the things He has allowed (or sent) into your life.
  • Ask God for the ability to be thankful, content, and joyful, especially when difficulties arise, so that you will not complain.

Going Deeper

If you want to dig a little deeper into the topic of complaining, consider reading the following GotQuestions article:

“What does the Bible say about complaining?”

What are some Bible verses about complaining?

Sharing

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Matt Ellis is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Polk City, Florida (fbcpolkcity.com)