Key Bible Verse: The people soon began to complain to the Lord about their hardships; and when the Lord heard them, his anger blazed against them (Numbers 11:1). Bonus Reading: Numbers 11:10-20, 31-34

The kind of complaining that grates worst on the ear of God is complaining about adversity. "Why do I have to go through that? Why must I endure all this hassle when life goes so smoothly for them? I'm sick and tired of putting up with this; when will it all end? Why can't my life be more like Bill Jones'?"

All of this nauseating noise rises to the ears of God until he replies, "Could you get away from me with that chronic complaining?"

Every one of us has a measure of adversity, and God himself is the one who measured it out to accomplish his eternal purpose for us. So, every person has something in his life that God doesn't want to hear complaints about. By complaining about it, you're forfeiting the grace that could help you through the trial. The very adversity you are complaining about is the thing God, in grace, wants to use to keep your heart close to his. God simply won't tolerate repeated complaints about adversity.

Countless time in years gone by, Kathy and I have sat together while I've prayed, "God, I'm sorry for my attitude. It's wrong. I know it's not pleasing to you. Please forgive my complaining attitude and cleanse my heart." The Lord has been so faithful to do that.

—James MacDonald in Lord, Change My Attitude

My Response: I'll pray a prayer like James's prayer.

Thought to Apply: One hour in heaven, and we shall be ashamed that we ever grumbled. —Vance Havner (evangelist)

Adapted from Lord, Change My Attitude (Moody, 2001) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

Teach me, Lord, to avoid complaining, since You are offended by the lack of trust it reveals.

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