My Name Is VictoriousVoorbeeld

I’ve heard it said that complaining is calling into question the provision, sovereignty and rule of God in my life.. Complaining is looking at God and saying everything He’s provided isn’t good enough for me. If we aren’t careful bitterness can creep into our lives so easily. We aren’t the only ones who can easily fall into the trap of complaining and bitterness. In Numbers 11:1 we read, “The people soon began to complain to the Lord.” We know the story of the Israelites as they leave behind their lives of slavery in Egypt. They have miraculously walked on dry land as God parted the Red Sea. God has led them by a pillar of fire and a cloud of smoke. Can you even imagine?! Amazing! But here in Chapter 11, “the people soon began to complain to the Lord.” And the Lord said: Oh you poor babies. Here is a bandaid and a lollipop, and we’re going to make it all better! No! That’s not what the Bible says at all. It says, “The Lord’s anger blazed against them.” (vs. 1) I don’t know about you, but I haven’t always understood how seriously the Lord takes that complaining spirit. “The anger of the Lord burned against them, and He sent a fire to rage among them …” Was that because they were experiencing hardships and troubles? No. It is because in those hardships and troubles they had an attitude of complaining. The Lord was angry. Absolutely furious. In the midst of blessing after blessing, the Israelites were bitter. They complained because, at the core, they felt the provision of God simply wasn’t good enough for them. As Numbers 11 wraps up, the Bible says God’s “anger blazed out against the people. He hit them with a terrible plague. They ended up calling the place Kibroth Hattaavah (Graves-of-the-Craving)” (vs.34 MSG) Graves of craving. What a powerful image! Are we building for ourselves graves of craving or are we living lives of gratitude? Are you building graves of craving: If I only had more friends. If I only had more money. If I only had more talent. If I only had more influence. If I only had more resources. If I only had more, more more. Instead of building graves of craving, let’s live lives of gratitude. Let’s move our focus above our grievances, and instead remind ourselves of all we have to be thankful for. Your name is Grateful!