The bible uses the word “grumble” to describe complaining. Shortly after God brought the Israelites out from slavery in Egypt, and miraculously parted the Red Sea, the people grumbled, or complained, to Moses, about not having water, God solved it, they complained about not having food and God miraculously gave them manna and quail. God heard their complaining and gave them what they needed. You would think that they would get the message and realize God was there to support them if they only asked. However as a result of their behavior and lack of their faith and obedience, God turned what would have been a short journey to the Promised Land into a 40 year struggle, and none of the adults ultimately were allowed to enter the Promised Land.

Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 10:10, “And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel.”

We “grumble” too. When we are complaining, “grumbling” and feeling sorry for ourselves, we are showing a lack of faith. We are indicating that we don’t believe God has a plan for us or cares about us. It shows also that we don’t believe God listens to our prayers, or that he doesn’t have the power to help us with our situations. Obviously that is not how we are to act and think.

When we are tempted to complain and feel sorry for ourselves, instead, we should stop and remember to ask God to help us; trusting in him, then waiting in peace for the answer to our prayer. Psalm 84:11 says, “For Jehovah God is our Light and our Protector. He gives us grace and glory. No good thing will he withhold from those who walk along his paths.” TLB

Dear Lord, at times you let us struggle to strengthen us and teach us. At those times, rather than complaining and feeling sorry for ourselves, help us ask for your help to get us through our struggle, and have faith in you answering our prayer. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.