Malcontents.

It is all over the news media.  Rioting in the universities and colleges.  Designated speakers shouted down or booed when trying to address classes in the schools.  Kids taking days off to make a protest.  Smashing windows or blocking entrances to buildings.  Just making noises about anything that is not to their liking or way of thinking or perhaps just being malcontents in general.  So is this just happening now?  Well think again.

The Israelites complained the whole trip through the desert even with God’s provision for them.

The Bible says, “Now the people became like those who complain of adversity in the hearing of the Lord.” (Numbers 11:1).

God is slow to anger……….usually, however, complaining can incite His swift wrath. The book of Numbers contains several stories of the people’s discontent in the wilderness. In each story as they complain about something, God punishes them.

Humans are prone to complaining.  We don’t seem to be happy unless complaining about something or other or when things don’t meet with our approval.  We are all malcontents.

Everyday our lives are full of both the good things and the things we don’t particularly like or enjoy.  We are critical of other people or what is happening in our lives.  I complain to God just like everyone else.

You and I are not alone.  David in his psalms complained to God.  “Why is this happening to me?”  Most of the prophets complained also.  However, they knew God was in control and they were committed to doing His will, whatever and however, He would work it out…. in His own good time and in His own good way.

So what’s the antidote to this mindset of complaining? It’s the Big G!

We must find gratitude in life. If we focus on the good and positive things that God has given us and to thank God for His blessings that come our way, then our lives somehow will be transformed.

 Do we thank him only for the good things? Paul says to be thankful for all things, “for this is God’s will for you in the Messiah Yeshua.”  (1 Thess. 5:18)

How is that possible? We live in an evil and fallen world.  But there is hope………!!!

Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart I have overcome the world.”  (John 3:16)

 It’s our faith that gives us hope.