Complaining in the Desert
AM Psalm 119:1-24 • PM Psalm 12, 13, 14
Exod. 15:22-16:10 • 1 Pet. 2:1-10 • John 15:1-11
“Then Moses said to Aaron, “Say to the whole congregation of the Israelites, ‘Draw near to the Lord, for he has heard your complaining.’”
How do you normally feel about the Israelites during their wilderness sojourn? They are always wishing to go back to Egypt, where they were slaves. In Egypt they had cucumbers and bread, and relative stability! Suddenly, the Israelites find themselves spending forty uncomfortable years in the desert, relying completely on heavenly gifts to keep them alive.
God hears their complaining and gives them water. And then manna. And even meat. And God gives those gifts specifically because they ask for them. Through this exchange, the Israelites are learning how to rely on God rather than the Egyptians. They are learning to live as free people.
Are you the type of person who avoids conflict by holding in your grievances? How does avoidance affect your relationships? When I expect for my needs to get met without advocating for them, I feel frustrated—as if those whom I expected to meet my needs have failed. When I voice my needs as the Israelites did, I more often get them met. There is a sense of understanding, and relationships can flourish.
God knows the hearts of the Israelites. He knows our hearts, too. Why, then, are complaining and receiving central parts of the Exodus? The act of supplication helps us to become more aware of our needs. Instead of going through their journey with vague dread and fear, the Israelites named their hunger and brought it to God, and they could see that God was who was meeting those needs.
Written by Haley Hixson
Though we are apart, I still feel connected to you guys. I've been participating in the 8pm howl and every night it gets louder with more voices! I’d like to imagine I hear some of you. Stay safe and snug, I love you!