There were many occasions during the time that the Lord was leading the children of Israel through the wilderness that they complained to Moses. On one occasion Miriam (Moses’ sister) and Aaron rebelled against Moses for not sharing his leadership saying “Hath the LORD indeed spoken only by Moses? Hath he not spoken also by us?” (Numbers 12:2). On another occasion Korah, a son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, along with 250 princes of the assembly complained “against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, Ye take to much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the LORD?” (Numbers 16:3). In the first instance the people complained against God’s appointed leader and in the second instance they complained against the exclusivity of God’s appointed priests.
These were not the only times the people of God complained. Frankly, their entire journey in the wilderness could be characterized by their complaining spirit. They complained for lack of water (Exodus 17:1-2); they grew tired of the manna that God provided for their food and grieved for want of flesh or meat (Numbers 11:4-14); they complained that Moses had not brought them to “a land that floweth with milk and honey, or given us inheritance of fields and vineyards” (Numbers 16:14). It seems that no sooner had God dealt with one complaint that they turned again to complain of something else.
They never learned the truth that “when the people complained, it displeased the LORD…and his anger was kindled” (Numbers 11:1). As children of God we, too, are often given to a complaining spirit. Like the children of Israel, we complain about those in charge (at church or at work); our food, our housing, our job, our circumstances whatever they may be. We fail to recognize that the Lord has orchestrated our circumstances and has given us everything we need particularly for our good. When we complain we are saying that we know better than God.
How much better if we would work at learning to be content with what our heavenly Father has provided. Paul instructed Timothy “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content” (I Timothy 6:8). These were not untried words to Paul. He wrote the Philippians “I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need” (Philippians 4:11-12).
Paul understood that contentment is a learned quality. We must choose to be content in the midst of our circumstances. Such contentment begins with thanksgiving to God for his provision. Paul reminded the Thessalonians “in everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (I Thessalonians 5:18). Contentment finds its foundation in Jesus Christ himself. Let your conversation (manner of life) be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he [Jesus] hath said, I will never leave thee , nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5). His presence is provision enough! We can be content.
From the Chaplain 