Thursday, February 19, 2026

         Most of us have been guilty of grumbling.  No surprise, but grumbling is found in the Bible too.  Some Bibles refer to it as “murmuring.”  Philippians 2:14 commands us to do everything without grumbling or arguing.  In the Bible, grumbling can reflect a lack of confidence in God’s ability to provide or to work out things for our good and His glory.  One of the most memorable places where we find grumbling is in the camp of Israel not long after the Exodus and freedom from both slavery and Egypt.  We would think that Israel would have been thrilled beyond words to be free—free from bondage, slavery, captivity and the harsh moods and whims of Pharaoh.  But Israel grumbled.  They complained about the journey, the food, water to drink, the likelihood of dying and how much they missed Egyptian ways and culture.  They even grumbled against Moses’ leadership.  The Bible says, “In the desert the whole community grumbled against Moses and Aaron.  The Israelites said to them, ‘If only we had died by the Lord’s hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death’” (Exodus 16:2-3). 
            The height of grumbling probably came when Israel openly considered just going back to Egypt and the old life they had as slaves (Numbers 14:3-4).  Imagine, grumbling and complaining so much that you are willing to return to slavery!  We live in times where we see a lot of grumbling, discord and division.  We can easily find ourselves complaining about any number of things.  Consistent complaining and gratuitous grumbling can be strategies that the enemy uses to create division and discontent.  Complaining can easily go viral.  Often, just listening to someone else complain can create a desire within us to join in and pile on—no matter the subject.  We often have to pray for endurance and patience not to participate or to allow resentment and bitterness to build up within our hearts.
            We may need a moment to vent or a safe place to get something troubling off our chests.  God can often bless us with friends and colleagues who can listen patiently and allow us to release some discord or disappointment that has built up in us from work, family, marriage, health or finances.  You may be able to serve someone else by being a listening set of ears and a closed mouth.  Allow someone to vent safely with you while refraining from repeating or sharing what you have heard.  Galatians 6:2 says, “Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”  Listening can be a gift we give to others.  We can be a blessing if we allow someone to unload their burdens in a safe and constructive way. 
            But what about the times when we grumble or complain?  How do we respond?  First, ask yourself if the complaining is a legitimate issue or injustice.  Is there a reason to be discontented and disappointed?  Sometimes we can act petty.  Sometimes we may just be looking for attention in an unhealthy way. But occasionally, there can be something that has hurt us or shaken us.  Ask God to help you discern the reason for the complaining. Second, turn to someone you can trust.  Ask someone to join you for lunch, coffee or a walk and share where you are hurting.  Ask a good friend just to give you a chance to vent some burdens or pains you may be carrying.  Select someone you can trust to listen with open ears, an open heart and a closed mouth.  Ask that trusted person to pray for you and to keep in touch with you.  Third, pray about the source of your grumbling.  You can ask God to change the situation or to change yourself or to change yourself through the situation.  God has a limitless number of ways that He can work for good.  Galatians 5 warns us against living in the flesh—that is to do what the world would do in a similar situation—things like revenge, gossip, rumors, creating strife and living selfishly.  Rather, we pray that the Spirit uses our situations to produce good fruit—fruit that comes only from Him—like peace, patience, goodness, self-control and faithfulness.  Take comfort in Galatians 6:9, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”  Never allow grumbling or complaining to deny you the chance to see and enjoy the harvest that may be just around the corner.  Have a great Thursday!