My day started out a bit unusual. I got up started the coffee, opened the screen door to let in the cool morning air and sat down to read my Bible and pray. In very short order, I heard thumping on the patio, I opened the curtain and stepped out on the deck to see three javelina running across the pavers and two at the bottom of the steps.
I chased them off but they were in no great hurry to leave. It’s frustrating because they like to eat our plants and flowers.
Let me tell you, it doesn’t leave me in a very “spiritual” state of mind.
I heard in my heart, “Seriously Kristi, you’re going to let some wild javelina ruin the start of your day?”. I almost did. I was ready to start murmuring.
The Apostle Paul warns us about murmuring.
“Do everything without grumbling or arguing.” Philippians 2:14 CEV
” Even if you think you can stand up to temptation, be careful not to fall. 13 You are tempted in the same way that everyone else is tempted. But God can be trusted not to let you be tempted too much, and he will show you how to escape from your temptations. 14 My friends, you must keep away from idols.” I Corinthians 10:12-14 CEV
We face the same kind of temptations as they early Christians did. Murmuring because we think things should be better; we’re being mistreated; everyone else has it better than us. Murmuring because we have wild animals eating our flowers – sounds pretty silly doesn’t it.
Then we are also tempted to worship idols, no, not the gold and stone statues but the idols of fame, success, pleasure, education, relationships. Any of these can draw us away for serving the Lord.
However the good news is this. God knows about these temptations and He has given us the power to resist them and escape their grasp.
Jesus didn’t come to make us miserable – not at all.
“A thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. But I came to give life—life that is full and good.” John 10:10 ERV
“ Don’t worry and ask yourselves, ‘Will we have anything to eat? Will we have anything to drink? Will we have any clothes to wear?’ 32 Only people who don’t know God are always worrying about such things. Your Father in heaven knows that you need all of these. 33 But more than anything else, put God’s work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well. 34 Don’t worry about tomorrow. It will take care of itself.” Matthew 6:31-34 CEV
Seems pretty silly to murmur about the small upsets of life. They take our eyes off the many blessings that God has given us. Don’t give the day over to complaining.
God gives us victory over complaints; it’s called praise. He promises to provide all we need. Take Him at His word!