Don’t you love hanging out with negative thinking people? Aren’t they pleasant to be with as they put others down or make fun of the way they do ministry? And the complaining about the leadership? Oh, that’s fun to hear, too. Okay, have you caught the sarcasm? Even sarcasm is negative, mind-controlling nastiness that does not belong in God’s vocabulary for His people! 

Moses, the leader of God’s desert bound people, handles it well. He sheds it. Moses clearly tells the people who the complaints are leveled against. God! Not him. Can we do that?

Moses calls a meeting and tells God’s people,
“He has heard your complaints, which are against the LORD and not against us.” Exodus 16:7, NLT I wonder how many people caught that? Then he goes on to tell them what the LORD will do:

“The LORD will give you meat to eat in the evening and bread in the morning, for he has heard your complaints against him. Yes, your complaints are against the LORD, not against us.” 

How many times does Moses have to say this? Is he trying to convince the people or himself? Both, maybe.

“Then Moses said to Aaron, ‘Say this to the entire community of Israel: ‘Come into the LORD’s presence, and hear his reply to your complaints.'” Exodus 16, NLT

I don’t know about you, but if I was the complainer, I would be a bit afraid to come into the Lord’s Presence at this time. Think about it. Where do we think our complaining ends up? With the LORD, God! Ouch.

Instead of punishment, God provides. “Then you will know that I am the LORD your God.” Exodus 16:12, NLT

Yes, God’s Story…always about HIM!

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29, NIV

Dear Heavenly Father, We are surrounded by negative thinking people and sometimes we are the complainers, ourselves. As Your people, help us shed it as Moses did and name it…complaints against You. We repent for complaining. We repent for the times we don’t shed it. Fill us now with Your Holy Spirit’s power to live life to the full to bring You Glory and to encourage others seeking you. Keep us from causing pain to anyone. In Jesus Name, Amen