Murmuring and Complaining

 From Be Still and Know...

"And the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness." (Exodus 16:2)

In crossing the desert area of our country occasionally, I see oases with a few trees, a limited water supply, and a filling station.  These provide "rest stops" for the traveler on his journey.

As the Israelites started their march across the desert, they soon began to experience the rigors of wilderness travel.  After three days without water, they began to murmur and complain.  Suddenly their spirits rose as they discovered water, only to be disappointed when they found the water to be bitter.

Instead of trusting God, they began to murmur against Moses and Aaron.  Indirectly, they were murmuring against God, who was their real Leader.  However, in spite of their complaining and lack of trust, God sweetened the bitter water so they could drink it.

God may schedule a wilderness journey for our lives.  We may encounter bitter waters.  Possessions may be taken from us, dear ones forsake us, plans crumble in our hands.  Disappointments may come, confidences be betrayed, cherished ideals shattered.

We, too, may begin to murmur and complain.  Bitterness may creep into our lives.  It is easy to be sweet when everything is going our way, but when it becomes difficult, we begin to complain.  God's Word reminds us, "Neither murmur ye."

Murmuring and complaining can lead to self-pity and criticism.  They show a lack of faith in the Lord.

He can sweeten the "bitter waters" of our lives.  It is the Lord Jesus who sweetens them for us.  He doesn't always remove them, but He gives us the sweetness of His presence and blessing in the midst of them.

We can expect "bitter waters" on our wilderness journey, for God uses them as a "proving ground" to test us.  Through them we are brought to the end of ourselves and into a closer relationship of trust in the Lord.

May we not be like the children of Israel, guilty of ingratitude.  Instead, may our hearts and lips be filled with praise.  "I will praise Him with my whole being."