Complaining: A Look into the Heart

"They spoke up against God and Moses and said why have you brought us out of Egypt to die in the wildernesses? There is no bre­­­­­ad! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food. “Numbers 21:4

Once again we see the Israelites complaining. I think their complaints can give us insight into their hearts and ours as well.

 The Israelites were fearful. As I read the above complaint, I see a people who are afraid. They are afraid of where God is leading them, afraid they are going to die, and afraid they will not have enough food to eat.

I am in a season in my life where I can relate to the Israelites. I feel like God is leading me in one direction, but I am scared to go in that direction. Why? Probably the same reason the Israelites were afraid... Lack of faith.

The Israelites complained because they did not trust God. They did not trust where God was leading them. When they saw the Canaanites they   became fearful, because they did not think they were capable of defeating them. They did not believe that what God promised them would come to pass. They did not trust that God would protect them or provide for their basic needs.

Despite the fact that God had delivered them  out of slavery and continued to provide them with all of their needs, they did not trust God. As a person who struggles with obsessive worry and anxiety, I can relate to the Israelites. In my past God has delivered me from some bad situations. As I look back I can clearly see God’s protection and grace over my life, but I still have trouble trusting God in the little things. There have also been times where God has provided for me in impossible circumstances, but there are times when I worry and doubt that God will provide everything I need.

The Israelites did not really know God's character. I believe that even though the Israelites knew of God, they did not really know his character or heart.  I think that if they knew God's heart they would have trusted him and his promises. They would have known that they did not have to be afraid because God was their provider. They would have known that God cared for them and was protecting them. They would have known that they did not have to doubt God because all things are possible through him.

If you have found yourself complaining lately, I encourage you to ask God to examine your heart.  Spend some time journaling and asking God to reveal to you why you have been complaining

Do you complain because of fear? I encourage you to search the scriptures about fear and find verses you can meditate  on to stand against your fear. (My go to verse is “For God has not given me a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power and love and a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7

Do you complain because of lack of trust in God. I encourage you to look back at the times God has been faithful in your life.

Would you like to learn more about God's character? In January I will be writing about God’s Character and studying what the bible has to say about who God is. I would like to follow along in my blog and study with me..  invite you to study with me.