Stop Complaining

“But the people were thirsty for water there, and they grumbled against Moses. They said, “Why did you bring us up out of Egypt to make us and our children and livestock die of thirst?” (Exodus 17:3 NIV)

God had already delivered the Israelites from bondage, parted the sea, and had manna fall from the sky. Yet, the minute things got bad they cried out in anguish.  Feel familiar?  Why, when we know what God has done in our lives, when we’ve seen the miracles he’s working in those around us, why do we continually question is ability, his graciousness, his very love for us?

Children elicit a familiar response when they need tending to, but they do so because it’s all they know.  A baby only knows to cry so mom can feel, change or comfort. But we grow and we know better. We learn to trust, especially in God, that he knows our burdens even before we do. We know that he loves us enough not to leave us where we are.  We know enough not to complain, yet complain is what we do and we call it prayer.

Instead of asking for stuff, instead of focusing on the deficit, the pitfalls, the discouragement – use your prayer time to praise God. Thank him for the oxygen that keeps our lungs full. Thank him for the food that keeps our bellies full.  Thank him for the bruises and scrapes on our children’s knees, because that means they are healthy enough to play.

Focusing on what we have and forgetting what we need allows us to see all the goodness that is still here.  We may live in a depressed, depraved world, but if focus on what is good, what is pure, then we will see an entirely different world, if only for a few moments.

God you are amazing. You know what I need before I even need it, so instead I will spend this time glorifying your name. You are the reason for everything good and holy and precious. I will take care not to forget that.