Suppose before every complaint we recited this statement: “God loves me. He’s never failed me and never will. Whatever happens in this life is insignificant when compared with the joy of heaven.”
Would it stop us from going on with the complaint?
God gave the Israelites everything they needed in the wilderness and promised everything they longed for in the Promised Land. But no matter how faithful He proved Himself, they wouldn’t trust Him.I’m amazed at the Israelites’ persistent complaining and unbelief (Hebrews 3:16-19).
But sometimes I resemble them.
Instead of trusting God that everything will work for my good (Romans 8:28), I let difficulties erode my joy. Just like the Israelites, I sometimes take God’s goodness, mercy, love, and provision for granted.
God didn’t promise the Israelites a smooth path, and He doesn’t promise us one either. But He does promise everything we need in this life and everything we long for in the next.
May the Lord help us stop whining and start rejoicing (Philippians 2:14).
copyright 2012, Gail Burton Purath
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The situations in the Old Testament are meant to warn and instruct us so we avoid similar sins (1 Corinthians 10:6-13).
These two devotions also encourage us to avoid complaining:
Complain or Walk
10 Reasons Complaining is Toxic
I encourage you to check out the Wisdom for Life Devotional. It contains 100 one-minute devotions to challenge, encourage, instruct, and inspire your love for God's Word: Wisdom for Life. Read the story behind Wisdom for Life HERE. And find out about the two free Bible studies with purchase HERE. You can read the first 4 devotions in the book by clicking "look inside" "read sample" on Lifeway or Amazon.
I also encourage you to sign up for a free subscription to Bible Love Notes and get a free e-booklet. Find out more HERE.
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