22 Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea and they went into the Desert of Shur. For three days they traveled in the desert without finding water. 23 When they came to Marah, they could not drink its water because it was bitter. (That is why the place is called Marah.) 24 So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What are we to drink?” (Exodus 15:1 and 20-21, New International Version)
Theme: Rejoicing and Thanksgiving
Context:
Well, no one shared the lyrics to their worship song yesterday 😊, but the comments were once again inspiring.
Yesterday we read about Moses and Miriam leading the Children of Israel in worship after they crossed the Red Sea. The story provided an excellent example of how rejoicing and thanksgiving can be incorporated in our daily lives through worship. The picture painted was one of gratitude for God’s ability to supply all that we need. Unfortunately, we often forsake gratitude and follow a path of grumbling, which is defined by the Oxford dictionary as, “expressing a complaint in a bad-tempered way.”
Bible Passage:
Our Bible passage today tells us that shortly after the time of worship characterized by rejoicing and thanksgiving came a time of grumbling. Later on, in Exodus chapter 16 when the Children of Israel grumble again about insufficient food, Moses tells them that they are not really grumbling against Moses and Aaron, they are grumbling against God.
Please study the passage and consider the question below.
Question:
Like the Children of Israel, we often encounter battles between gratitude and grumbling. Why is the practice of worship essential in winning these battles?
Please leave a comment. We would love to hear from you.
March 15, 2023 at 6:19 am
The practice of worship is essential as it reminds us it’s all about God and not us. It gives us a God-centric view. Today’s study led me to Romans 12:1 one of ny favourites – “And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.”
March 15, 2023 at 7:14 am
Worship has the potential to refocus our affection, change our priorities or put them in line with what God wants, and restore our souls. Our spirit then conforms to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
March 15, 2023 at 8:13 am
If we are leaving our worries, troubles, and everything in between with God, while rejoicing and giving thanks, we really shouldn’t have an “opening” anywhere for complaining/grumbling. 🙂
When a situation arises where we are tempted to start complaining, we need to remind ourselves of God’s Word in Philippians 4:4-7: Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
March 15, 2023 at 8:46 am
I agree with the post from Gordon, Jojo and Karen. If I am focused on praise, I won’t have time to grumble. Fixing my perspective on God‘s plan of all things working together for my good, even when I can’t see, should keep me rejoicing instead of worrying or grumbling.
March 15, 2023 at 5:46 pm
Having had a lot of experience fretting and complaining as I undergo various trials, I know for a fact this attitude is not helpful but only makes me feel bad. In that respect, I can understand why we are commanded not to grumble. It is more mature, better for your health and God-honoring to accept life’s trials uncomplainingly. An attitude of worship changes one’s perspective from one of self pitying and entitlement from a westernized lifestyle of prosperity and convenience and to a focus upon God. Our only obligation is to obey God and His responsibility is to supply all our needs in Jesus Christ (for e.g. Phil 4:19). If we take God at His word, then fretting and complaining will not find a foothold in our lives.
March 15, 2023 at 10:34 pm
Amazing comments.
March 15, 2023 at 10:35 pm
I agree, Yasmin!