Praising Instead Of Complaining

“Then they believed his promises and sang his praise.” Psalms‬ ‭106:12‬ ‭NIV‬‬  (Continue Reading Psalms 106:7-12)

God’s chosen people – the Israelites, had been in slavery for over 400 years, enslaved with hard labor from an Egyptian Pharoah. Generations had not been trained to hear the voice of the Lord, nor had the experience of trusting in God for their daily provision…until they experienced the desert.  

What a time of instruction and stretching for God’s people! The 40 years were slim compared to 400, but they definitely were a testing and refining time. Through trial and error, they learned that God is Holy, loving, just, good, reliable, praiseworthy, and faithful.  

In the exodus story from Egypt, when the Israelites ran into the wall of the Red Sea (an insurmountable task), they were filled with fear of the unknown. They begged Moses to let them go back into captivity! This is when Moses tells them, 

“Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today.  The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. ‘The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.’” Exodus 14:13-14  

This was when they had to make the crucial decision to BELIEVE in God. 

Moses proceeded to raise his staff and stretch out his hand in obedience over the Red Sea. God demonstrated the miraculous parting of great walls of water on both the left and the right so they could walk into freedom on dry ground! Hallelujah! What a miracle! 

Recently, my family moved to a new state and had to adjust to a new home, church, new climate…new everything! Even though I knew God instructed us to go, I still did my fair share of complaining about our move and was surprised to find a whiny Israelite in myself. Similarly, I wanted the comforts of my old life and longed for the sights and culture of what was familiar. After reflecting on my sinful nature, I asked the Lord to forgive me for not having more faith in the steps He was having us walk. I certainly didn’t like identifying with the early Israelites who complained about food falling from the sky or water that quenched their thirst from a rock! I’m so thankful for God’s mercy!

Mama, fear of the unknown can cripple us, too, keeping us from moving forward in faith. Grumbling and complaining, especially when we don’t understand what God is doing, can also keep us in want or a ‘desert’ experience. Sisters, think of the miracles we might be missing because we complain…take some learned advice from some old Israelites and me- praise instead of complain! 

God’s Word reigns true for you and me. Stand firm in the Direction God gives you and trust in His deliverance!

Love,

Rae-Ellen Sanders & The Help Club For Moms Team

 

Rae-Ellen Sanders
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