In the morning you will see the glorious presence of the Lord. He has heard your complaints, which are against the Lord and not against us.
Exodus 16:7
Complaining is such a vital component of our sinful nature. When things don’t go our way, our tongues immediately begin wagging and out come the complaints. This verse points out two important details about our complaints that would be wise for us to remember. First, the Lord hears our complaints, and second, our complaints are really against Him.
Since Keith left, we have been rather busy. There has been some outing, activity, friend to visit, or errand to run each day. I have noticed that the girls, especially Elizabeth Anne, have become ill content at home. When we return home I am often met with protests of, “NO, I NO WANNA GO HOME!!!”
Now, I know that they are only three years old, and this is pretty typical behavior of a three year olds, but I also have to admit that these complaints hurt their mama’s feelings. I want them to be happy in the home I have created for them. I want home to be a sanctuary for all of us from the outside world. I want home to be a place we eagerly await coming to.
Our own selfish complaints, like those of the Israelites in the wilderness, hurt the Lord as well. He has given us so much in this life, including his only Son as a living sacrifice for our sins. He wants us to cherish the gifts that he has so graciously bestowed upon us instead of finding fault and wagging our tongues in complaint.
Last week, Laura at Military Chaplain’s Wife took a fast from complaining. I think this is an absolutely great idea for anyone that struggles with complaining. Fasting makes us realize just how much we rely on the thing that we are doing without and forces us to become dependent on our God. If this is an area of struggle for you, consider taking some time to fast from wagging your tongue in complaint and discover the many blessings that the Lord has graciously given you.
MaryLu says
What a great idea!! I forget all the time, to use a sweet tone of voice, with pleasant, uplifting words and not complaining. Hard to do, but so important when little ones are listening to our words.
Thanks for the reminder.
grace says
Ouch, ouch, ouch! I know I need to stop complaining as well. What a thoughtful post.