COMPLAIN, COMPLAIN

Num. 11:1  The people soon began to complain to the LORD about their hardships; and when the LORD heard them, his anger blazed against them.

We do it, don’t we?  We often complain when things don’t go our way.  We may complain to our family, friends, or even to God.  We like things to go smoothly and easily.  We don’t like it when we have to struggle or go through demanding times.  We get frustrated and let our voices be heard. 

When we don’t get what we think we deserve, we complain.  When we get what we don’t think we deserve, we complain.  When we get less than what someone else gets, we complain.  When things take too long, we complain.  When things happen too quickly, we complain. 

The trip to the Promised Land was not an easy one.  The Israelites had to travel by foot through many, many miles of wilderness and desert.  The journey took 40 years to complete.  When they were hungry, they complained; then they complained because they didn’t get the food they wanted.  When they were thirsty, they complained.  When they were discouraged, they complained.  After a while, God had enough of their complaining.  He disciplined them with fire, plagues, letting their enemies get the upper hand against them, etc. 

Life isn’t easy, but we would find it much more enjoyable if we were to complain less and express our gratitude to God more.  Don’t whine because of what you are facing, be thankful for the life’s lessons you are learning through your struggles.  Don’t pine for what you don’t have; be thankful for what you do have and thank God for His favor on your life.  Learn to appreciate God’s blessings whether you have much or little and you will find life will be much better for you.