stop complaining!
In Numbers 11-20, which is covered in week one of the Established: 30 Days before the Promised Land Scripture Plan, the Israelites are doing a lot of complaining! God has delivered them from bondage in Egypt, redeemed them as his people, and is bringing them to the land he promised their ancestors. Yet, the Israelites complain.
- The manna God has given them is not good enough -they want real meat.
- They are not satisfied with the roles God has given them and are jealous of God’s relationship with Moses
- They fear that the people in the Promised Land are so strong that they can’t follow God’s plan and attack them
- Their extended time in the wilderness causes them to wish they were back in Egypt.
In these passages we see God establish his discipline. He punishes those who complain. Why is it so important to God that we stop complaining?
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Why God wants us to stop complaining
Complaining shows we don’t trust God
When the Israelites complained that they were hungry and thirsty and would die in the desert this showed that they did not trust God to provide for them – even though they had witnessed his miraculous provisions many times.
When we complain about our circumstances this shows that we are not trusting God.
Complaining shows a lack of gratitude
When the Israelites cried out to God that they would have been better if they had stayed in Egypt, this showed a complete lack of gratitude towards God for all that he had done for them. They completely disregarded all the miracles he had performed to free them from Egypt and to keep them safe and healthy (providing water and food) for them on their journey.
When we complain that the things we have are not good enough, this shows a lack of gratitude towards God for what he has given us.
Complaining is contagious!
Have you ever noticed how easy it is to join in when someone starts complaining?
This was true for the Israelites, too. When Korah criticised Moses’ leadership in Numbers 16 he led 250 prominent leaders into rebellion.
Complaining leads people away from God
When the scouts return from spying out the Promised Land and complain that they will not be able to attack the strong fortresses and large people (Numbers 13-14) the Israelites are discouraged and refuse to follow God’s plan.
If we are complaining about our circumstances and don’t appear to be trusting in God’s faithfulness this will be a bad witness to others.
Complaining causes frustration
In Numbers 11 the constant complaining of the Israelites has angered God and Moses.
“Moses heard the people, family after family, weeping at the entrance of their tents. The Lord was very angry; Moses was also provoked. Numbers 11:10
When the Israelites refuse to enter the Promised Land God is ready to destroy them all!
“The Lord said to Moses, “How long will these people despise me? How long will they not trust in me despite all the signs I have performed among them I will strike them with a plague and destroy them. Then I will make you into a greater and mightier nation than they are.” Numbers 14:11-12
If we are frequently complaining this will cause a problem in our relationships – with God and other people.
How to Stop Complaining
If you recognise you have a problem in this area, what can you do to stop complaining?
- Trust in God. Look to God’s plans, read the Scriptures and pray so that you are focused on him instead of your circumstances.
- Be grateful! Cultivate an attitude of thanksgiving and gratitude. You could start a gratitude journal or just think of 5 things to be grateful for each day. When you find yourself wanting to complain try and focus on what you can be grateful for in the situation.
How to handle people who won’t stop complaining
And one last tip from Moses!
As we’ve mentioned above, dealing with people who won’t stop complaining can be very frustrating.
So, follow the example of Moses and Aaron. In Numbers 14, when the Israelites decide not to enter the Promised Land, Joshua and Caleb (the only two spies who have faith to enter) try to persuade the crowd and are threatened with stoning. Moses and Aaron, however, turn to God instead.
When faced with constant complainers we need to turn to God, and intercede on their behalf, instead of trying to talk them out of their complaining.
I hope you have found these lessons from Moses as insightful as I have. Come back next week for more reflections on our Scripture Plan – Established: 30 Days before the Promised Land.
Get the Bible Study Guide and Workbook
I have also written a Bible Study Guide and Workbook to go with the Established: 30 Days before the Promised Land Scripture Plan. Here you will find a page for each day of the study. The daily worksheets use my 5L Bible Study Method: Letter, Look, Learn, Live, Love which encourages and guides us to look deeper into the text we are reading.
Each day I give a short description or question to give you a start, but please remember to look for what God is teaching you through each passage – this may be different to what I have said. That’s why there is also space for you to write your own thoughts in each section. Get your copy here!
