Why are some people so unhappy? It’s hard to find folks today that don’t have a list of complaints. The Bible has much to say about complaining, and none of it good.
Numbers 11:1 says, “And when the people complained, it displeased the Lord”. Nothing has changed, it still displeases the Lord to hear us complain. Exodus 16:7 says, “…..he hears your murmurings …..” The Lord had various ways of dealing with complainers in the Old Testament: In Numbers 11 it was with fire,”….and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the Lord burnt among them, and consumed them…..” In Numbers 16 it was an earthquake,” And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up…..they went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed upon them; and they perished.” Again, it was with the plague, “for there is wrath gone out from the Lord; the plague is begun.” In Numbers 21 it was with snakes, ’and the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people, and much people of Israel died.”
I’m glad He doesn’t deal with us like that today. In the New Testament; Jude 16 refers to complainers as ungodly sinners walking after their own lusts… It’s obvious to me that God still takes complaining seriously.
God doesn’t like to hear us complain because He knows what it does to us; it gives us a negative attitude, and robs us of our joy. It keeps us and those around us from enjoying the abundant life He has for us. Usually, you find what you are looking for; if you’re looking for something to complain about, you’ll find it, if you’re looking for something to be glad about you’ll find that too. It takes no intelligence to find fault, any dummy can find something to complain about, but there’s real power and encouragement in positive thinking.
It’s not hard to understand why the Lord is unhappy with murmuring and complaining; and why we are instructed to do all things without murmurings and disputes (Phil.2:14); and why Jesus said, murmur not among yourselves (John 6:43). We are among the most blessed people on Earth, and should be very thankful.
