Numbers 21:16,17
‘From there they continued to Beer, that is the well where the LORD said to Moses, “Assemble the people, that I may give them water.” Then Israel sang this song: “Spring up, O well! Sing to it!”‘
The Lord is providing for them. He knew they were thirsty. This is how it’s supposed to be. In previous examples, the people would complain about their needs. They would criticize Moses and God for not taking better care of them. They would speak about how nice things were in Egypt. This is different. They made no public outcry about their needs. They were happy and expressed it with song.
This is where we are to be. Do we trust The Lord with our lives? Do we complain or are we trusting? The people must have been getting low on water, otherwise the divine provision wouldn’t have been necessary.
Proverbs 3:5,6 says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.” This was a “life verse” of mine for years. It’s true, yet I misunderstood it. I interpreted the “make your paths straight” as a trusting christian wouldn’t have life drama. I should have learned the lesson of Joseph. He was sold into slavery and falsely imprisoned. All of that was part of God’s plan. It didn’t make sense at the time, but it prepared him to be greatly used of God.
I knew that trials were a part of our experience. However, I had an unspoken limit as to how bad they would get. The one I’m thinking about lasted about six months. The effects of it remained for years. That was too long for me. I began to complain to my friends. I wasn’t trusting God.
Is it wrong to express our needs? Could the Israelites brought up the low water condition. Yes. It’s healthy to advocate for ourselves. If we are under pressure or sad, etcetera, we are to share those things. The Psalms are filled with David crying out before The Lord. 1 Peter 5:7 says, “casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” He wants us to bring our problems to Him. We are also to share our concerns with others. Galations 6:2 says, “Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.” We are to share our frustrations and fears with one another.
Proverbs 3:5,6 says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.” This was a “life verse” of mine for years. It’s true, yet I misunderstood it. I interpreted the “make your paths straight” as a trusting christian wouldn’t have life drama. I should have learned the lesson of Joseph. He was sold into slavery and falsely imprisoned. All of that was part of God’s plan. It didn’t make sense at the time, but it prepared him to be greatly used of God.
I knew that trials were a part of our experience. However, I had an unspoken limit as to how bad they would get. The one I’m thinking about lasted about six months. The effects of it remained for years. That was too long for me. I began to complain to my friends. I wasn’t trusting God.
Is it wrong to express our needs? Could the Israelites brought up the low water condition. Yes. It’s healthy to advocate for ourselves. If we are under pressure or sad, etcetera, we are to share those things. The Psalms are filled with David crying out before The Lord. 1 Peter 5:7 says, “casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” He wants us to bring our problems to Him. We are also to share our concerns with others. Galations 6:2 says, “Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.” We are to share our frustrations and fears with one another.
Hebrews 12:15 says, “See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled.” Sharing is toxic when we are bitter. This person isn’t looking to share the pain and have relief. They are mad and are looking for recruits. The want others to be mad as well. This is what was getting the people into trouble in their wilderness wanderings.
Lord, help us to trust You in our difficulties. Help us to vent to You and our trusted friends. Help us not to be bitter.