The pain of my long-term illness and limited movement finally caught up with me. I started to become very angry and always snapped at the people closest to me. I never thanked my family for their help, but always said they weren’t ever doing enough to support me. When someone tried to help me see how unkind I was being, I just got angrier. Didn’t they realise what I was going through?! In the end, God helped me see how bitter I had become, and I asked Him and those I hurt for forgiveness.

You may not have a long-term illness like me, but pain, frustration and disappointment are all things that each of us struggles with. If we want our lives to be different in some way, it can lead to us complaining, getting annoyed easily and becoming self-centred.

The Israelites were familiar with this. It seems they were never satisfied and always complaining about what God gave them (EX. 17:1-3). Even though God cared for His people in the desert by sending them “bread from heaven” (16:4), it wasn’t enough for them (NUM. 11:4). Instead of thanking God for His faithful and loving care, the Israelites wanted something more, something better, something different or even something they used to have (VV.4-9). They took out their frustrations on Moses (VV.10-14).

Spending time thinking about God’s goodness and faithfulness can help us be thankful for what we already have, rather than always looking for more. Today we can thank Him for the many ways He already cares for us. 

By: Xochitl Dixon

To Pray About . . .

Father, please help us to stop complaining so instead we can enjoy thanking You for the many ways You continue to love us.