Grumbling

 "I have heard the grumbling of the people of Israel. Say to them, 'At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall be filled with bread. Then you shall know that I am the Lord your God.'"
Exodus 16:12 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/exo.16.12.ESV

God starts off graciously with His grumbling people. They're hungry, so He provides them food. This doesn't justify grumbling however!

Instead of grumbling, we should humbly pray. Complaint is a form of prayer that is acceptable to God. Grumbling 'behind God's back' is a sin.

If we've got a perceived problem with God, we should take it to Him in prayer, instead of moaning about Him. This time God might have been gracious. As their grumbling persisted however, His sanctions became heavy.

This grumbling generation of Israelites never made the promised land. If our lives are defined by grumpiness and moaning, we would do well to doubt whether we'll ever make the promised new creation. We need confidence in God to get us there.

'Lord our God, may we take grumbling as seriously as You. Please forgive us for it, and help us meekly trust Your providence, and so inherit the earth. In Christ's name, amen'

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