Fair warning, this is not a post about my children :)
Recently, I told Mr. OverKill that I was SO tired of driving on the same road everyday, looking at the same houses, and that dumpy Dollar General store that gets robbed once a month. I was tired of eating the same food over and over again. Blah! I need a change!
I tried to pray about it, and I did ask the Lord to forgive me, because I know that I have so much to be grateful for. There are people who would love to live in this little town with all it’s conveniences.
This morning I was reading my Bible and I came across this passage,
Now when the people complained, it displeased the Lord; for the Lord heard it, and His anger was aroused. So the fire of the Lord burned among them, and consumed some in the outskirts of the camp.
-Numbers 11:1
I was immediately convicted of my complaining, and it didn’t help that they were complaining about food! You see, I have this funny notion that the God who is described in the Old Testament hasn’t changed. I believe that when His children complain and whine, and are generally unappreciative, it makes Him angry. The beautiful benefit I have, is that I am covered by the blood of Christ. Without it, I’m afraid I would have been consumed on the spot!
Then, something else occurred to me. Remember how the tabernacle and surrounding camp was constructed? Each tribe had a place for their tents near the tabernacle, and then following logic, their tents would have spread out, leaving some closer to the tabernacle, and others farther away.
Photo credit: Wikipedia
Isn’t it interesting that the ones on the outskirts of the camp were consumed? Obviously, I can’t know the hearts of those consumed. However, I can see an interesting correlation that proves true for me today. When we draw close to the presence of God, there is thankfulness and joy in our hearts. However, when we retreat from God, and set up our tent as far away from His presence as possible, what then? Complaining, ungratefulness, selfishness, pride, arrogance?
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
James 4:8
How important is it for us to be content, and refrain from complaining?
Quite important, I’m afraid. Which is why I am making an extra effort to be thankful, and draw near to God. Thanking Him for little things and big, and hopefully overcoming my stinky attitude and complaining heart.
Please feel free to download the print above. If you click on the image, you can download a pdf.
I hope you enjoy it :)