Moaning

 And the people spoke against God and against Moses, "Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we loathe this worthless food."
Numbers 21:5 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/num.21.5.ESV

Moaning/grumbling sadly comes naturally to us. We don't tend to think of it as a big deal, but God hates it. God doesn't mind when we complain directly to Him, but He doesn't take kindly to us speaking against Him.

If we think about it, to moan is to rail against the providence of God. God is in control, so if we aren't happy about our circumstances, it's God we have a problem with. Yet we shouldn't want to get on the wrong side of Him.

When things are going tough, when we're hungry and thirsty, it's understandable that we would question God's goodness. Yet He owes us nothing. Any good provision we enjoy is a bonus, and more than we deserve.

Because of moaning, God's judgement comes. Yet just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so that all who looked at it were healed; so all who look to Christ crucified will be spiritually healed of their sins like grumbling. Praise the Lord!

'Dear Lord, we praise You that forgiveness is possible for our sins like moaning. Please help us trust in Your good providence even when times are hard, in the name of Jesus we pray, amen'

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