Complaints & Laments
BRD REFLECTIONS:
Numbers 11, 12 and Psalm 102 (NIV)
(Teo Khean Hua, Asst Zone Leader, SGM)
READ:
Numbers 11:1, 4b, 5a, 10, 31-33, Numbers 12 on complaints.
Numbers 11: 11-15, Psalm 102 on lamentations.
OBSERVE:
In Numbers 11, the people of Israel complained about their hardships while travelling, and in their meatless diet. They seem to have forgotten that the Lord was their Guide, and He was their Provider of fresh manna that they received every day.
In Numbers 12, Miriam and Aaron criticised Moses. They seemed to have forgotten that Moses was chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and into the Promised Land.
In Psalm 102, the writer poured out to God regarding his challenging situations honestly. He knew his everlasting, compassionate, faithful, and sovereign Lord would hear his prayers.
APPLY:
On complaints, have I been like the Israelites in my walk with the Lord? Am I also a complaining person, or have I become indifferent to the goodness of the Lord? Have I taken the grace of God for granted?
I thought about the meals I had yesterday. I reflected and did comment (in my heart) on the food I had for breakfast, lunch and dinner. At breakfast, it was about the missing pastry I liked, at lunch it was about too much meat in the spring roll. When is my comment actually a complaint to God? Am I no different from the Israelites? Instead of being thankful for the sufficient food I was provided, I looked at what was lacking or overdone.
God also reminded me that there were occasions where I would attend a particular service based on who is preaching. I have forgotten the preacher is appointed by God to serve HIM.
I have gone to the Lord in the recent weeks to lament on my current work situations. Things are not going according to plan. Some deals I have committed to close are slipping away, and these news have been coming on a weekly basis. Even though I smile, and act as if I am managing well, I am stressed. Will I be like the Psalmist in acknowledging God’s goodness after my lament? God, You remain the same, enthroned above my situation at work, and You will show me Your favor when the appointed time comes. I am thankful God.
DO:
I want to be thankful always. May the Holy Spirit remind me, nudge me whenever I forget the blessings from the Lord. In my daily examen, may I be reminded to seek God’s forgiveness for my ungrateful heart and ask God to transform me daily.
I must recall God’s faithfulness in the past and remember He is always faithful when I lament. May I recall all His goodness, and draw strength from His good character, to know who God is, and not look at my circumstances. He will make everything beautiful in His time.
PRAY:
Father God, search my heart, Lord. Reveal to me whenever I complain and forget your loving kindness towards me. Forgive me and teach me to be a grateful person, always thanking You.
Hear my prayer, Lord, when I cry for help. Do not hide your face from me when I am in distress. Turn your ear to me; when I call, answer me quickly. Amen.
