Moses also said, “You will know that it was the Lord when he gives you meat to eat in the evening and all the bread you want in the morning, because he has heard your grumbling against him. Who are we? You are not grumbling against us, but against the Lord.”
– Exodus 16:8 (NIV)
It seems so natural for us to complain about everything that is wrong. We can seemingly see how the whole universe conspires against us, and it is not fair. We are quick to let anyone and everyone know that we have been wronged in some way.
Gratitude is a learned behavior, and it must be an intentional behavior. No matter how good of a person you think you are, if you are reading these words, I am positive that complaining comes natural to you, even if you are an upbeat person. Perhaps it is time that you and I start replacing our complaining language with language that praises God for his provision instead of complaining that we do not have more.
Time after time throughout the book of Exodus God does miraculous works to meet the needs of the Israelites only to be met with a lack of faith, a lack of trust, and complaining. Moses reminds the Israelites in this passage that while they may be face to face with him, they are really complains to the Lord. He, after all, is the one who is leading them out of Egypt (not Moses and Aaron).
Today, when you feel the urge to complain, will you pause and give thanks instead? Believe me, I know how hard it will be. Your crappy job, a bad boss, circumstances you did not ask for, etc. But in the midst of your troubles, God has and will show Himself faithful. Let us look for Him, trust Him, and ultimately praise Him instead of incessantly complaining like the Israelites who had seen so many miracles.