When Moses was leading the people of Israel through the desert to go to the land that God promised them, the people of Israel were complaining to Moses just about everything. When they needed water, they complained to Moses (Exodus 17:2). They even complained to the LORD about their hardship. In Numbers 11:1, it says, "Now the people began complaining openly before the LORD about hardship. When the LORD heard, His anger burned, and fire from the LORD blazed them and consumed the outskirts of the camp." The people of Israel complained although God promised them that He would take care of them. God said these words against the people of Israel, "How long must I endure this evil community that keeps complaining about Me? I have heard the Israelites' complaints that they make against Me." (Numbers 14:27). They complained against God because they were dissatisfied with their conditions instead of being thankful that God delivered them from slavery in Egypt and led them to freedom.
It is easy for us to complain about everything, and we complain when we are annoyed, not satisfied, or unhappy about something or someone. However, when we complain, it affects us in a way that robs us of joy and stops us from enjoying life. It affects our relationships with the people we care for and love, and it can ruin friendships and worsen a situation. So, when we are annoyed or dissatisfied, let us take a deep breath (relax), try to understand the situation, and respond with kindness. 1 Peter 4:9 says, "Show hospitality to one another without complaining." Let us ask God for wisdom on how we respond when we are annoyed or dissatisfied. Let us not be quick to get angry, but show patience, kindness, and trust in the Lord. Let us remind ourselves that God knows our situations, and He is working on each one of us. All of us are not perfect, and we will all make mistakes. I remember when I made a mistake, and I made everyone uncomfortable because of my clumsiness. One of the people in our group came to me and showed me some kindness instead of complaining. It affected my life in a very positive way. I still remember the kind words. "It's okay Danny. No problem. We can work it out."
Let us not be overcome by complaining, but let us be overcome by kindness, appreciation, and patience. God called us to be peacemakers. Hebrews 12:14 says, "Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord."
Ask yourself these questions: Do I easily complain or show kindness and patience to others? What does God want me to do when I am annoyed and dissatisfied?
Write down all the worries that you are facing today and lift them up to God.
Prayer:
Father in Heaven, thank you for teaching me about complaining this morning. Please help me to show kindness and patience with others just as you have been kind and patient towards me. Please help me not to be overcome with complaining. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.