Experiencing Friendship With GodSample

Grumbling in the Wilderness

Although God was visible in the plagues that shook Egypt and broke their shackles of slavery, the Israelites of the Exodus did not have a closeness to God as Moses did. Thus, when things got tough, they grumbled. “It would have been better to stay in Egypt!” they said (see Exodus 14:11-12; 16:3; 17:3).

As weak and ungrateful as Israel seems, this bitter murmuring is relatable. When life is tough, our soul will say something like “Okay, God, if You’re not going to get me out of this, then I’m going to get out of it myself.” This is when we begin to ignore the Holy Spirit and begin leaning on our own intuition. When grumbling turns to action, we cultivate a spiritual independence from the Presence that leads to dependence on other people and things.

It's easier to rebel than to acknowledge God, to stew in our discontentment and unbelief than turn to His Presence. But, Friend of God, you can make a holy trade today. You can trade the grumbling for friendship.

Meditate on the following truths as you combat your grumbling:

1.He is with you. “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.” (Psalm 139:7-8)

2.His knows what He is doing. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:9)

Before spending another half-hour brooding over pent-up bitterness, worrying over an outcome, or mindlessly scrolling on social media to escape your problems, try reading these two verses and sitting on these truths for a while. Meditation on God’s truth gathers your mind, body, and spirit and allows the whole of you to be fully present with Jesus.

What have you been grumbling about lately? How does a focus on God’s Presence change your perspective on those problems?