Grumble, Grumble, Grumble

 

Moses said, ‘This will happen

when the LORD gives you meat to eat in the evening,

and bread to the full in the morning;

for the LORD hears your grumblings

which you grumble against Him.

And what are we?

Your grumblings are not against us

but against the LORD.

Exodus 16:8

 

Moses and Aaron have taken the grumblings of the people before God. The Lord says that He will give the people what they grumble for, so that He may test them, to see if they will walk in His instruction (Exodus 16:4). 

Moses and Aaron return to the people and assure them that the LORD has heard them and is going to answer. However, Moses also assures the people that it is not him and Aaron that these people are grumbling against but God Himself. In two consecutive verses Moses tells the people that their grumbling is against the Lord. Any time God speaks in His Word it is something important. So if He repeats himself, we better make sure that we are paying close attention.

Have you ever really realized how much you complain? I know that God has brought me into my own wilderness journey many times to show me this very thing. We, if we belong to Christ, should be filled with peace, love, hope, grace, self-control, patience, and gentleness (Galatians 5:22-23). We are not to be filled with pouting, complaining, huffing, puffing, and grumbling. I have often found myself living in a spirit of complaint. I have found myself allowing the things that are not going my way to overpower every thankful bone in my body. Then I have complained even more because I don’t “feel” God like I used to.

Oh precious one, the snare was laid and I walked… no, I ran right into it. When the enemy gets his foot in the door through our grumbling there is no end to the damage that he can do. He can split churches, destroy marriages, tear apart life-long friendships, and make a canyon between us and our relationship with our Savior. This is not because God walked away, but because we like spoiled children, turn our backs and stomp to our room and scream “You don’t love me!”

Have you ever sat down and examined your heart by examining your words and realized how you must sound to the one who endured the cross for you? Oh my friend, I have and I must admit I was ashamed of myself.

If our praise is a soothing and sweet aroma in the nostrils of our God can you imagine how putrid the smell of our grumbling must be?

My friend, the next time you find yourself grumbling and complaining about what is going on in your life I suggest you take a moment to step back and see who it is you are really grumbling against. Especially when you find yourself in constant complaint about those in leadership. This includes your boss at work. This includes your parents. This includes your husband. This includes your pastor.

All those in positions of authority were allowed that authority by God (Romans 13:1-7), therefore, we are to honor them with the honor that is due them. The only time we are given the freedom to not honor them is when they attempt to demand us to be disobedient to God. Then and only then, do we have the right to refuse their authority over us.

Oh Father,
Forgive me for the times that I have given the enemy a foothold in my life by grumbling. How easily the enemy can convince us that we have the right to complain against those who are in authority over us. Thank you Father, for Your Word. For by it You renew my mind and You open my eyes to the schemes of the one who seeks to destroy me and the ministry You have given me, that You have given all those who trust in Your Son, the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18). May my heart always be Yours and inclined to hear Your voice. May I honor You by honoring those You have placed in authority over me.

My Jesus, it is in Your name I pray,
Amen

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