DON'T BE AN EEYORE

Numbers 11:1-6
1 Now the people complained about their hardships in the hearing of the Lord, and when he heard them his anger was aroused. Then fire from the Lord burned among them and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp. 2 When the people cried out to Moses, he prayed to the Lord and the fire died down. 3 So that place was called Taberah, because fire from the Lord had burned among them. 4 The rabble with them began to crave other food, and again the Israelites started wailing and said, "If only we had meat to eat! 5 We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost--also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic. 6 But now we have lost our appetite; we never see anything but this manna!"

One of Winnie the Pooh's friends is a cute, but sad- faced donkey, Eeyore. The most distinguishable characteristic about Eeyore is his uncanny ability to complain about everything. If it is a perfectly sunny day, Eeyore will say in his monotone voice, "But, it's gonna rain." His expression of gloomy dissatisfaction affects everyone.

In Exodus 16:1-10 and Numbers 11:1-17, you will recognize the spirit of Eeyore among God's people. The Israelites' complaining was their habitual response to stress. When they encountered danger, shortages, and inconveniences, they complained. They didn't really want to go back to Egypt--they just wanted life to be easy! The real source of their stress was lack of trust in God. The Israelites normally complained to one another instead of to God. When they complained to one another, nothing was accomplished.

Moses, however, took his complaint to God--the One who could solve the problem. The Israelites' complaining attitude was a result of their focusing on unfulfilled desires. Their dissatisfaction was the result of shifting their attention from what they had to what they didn't have.

So, how can you and I guard against becoming Eeyores?

First, we should depend on God's power and wisdom to help us deal with the cause of our stress--lack of trust in God. Second, we should take our needs to God, the One who can solve the difficult problems and answer the difficult questions. Third, we should occupy our minds with thoughts of gratitude.

At all cost, we must not let unfulfilled desires cause us to forget God's blessings and gifts--life, health, friends, family, and jobs.

Make a list of all the people and things in your life for which you are thankful to God, and start praising Him for them. Eeyores can't survive in an atmosphere of thanksgiving and praise. --Marvin Williams

DESTINATION POINTS

* How can I trust God instead of complaining when I am facing dangers, shortages, and inconveniences?
* For what in my life am I most thankful?

LINKS:
Why Should I Be Thankful?
http://www.christianitytoday.com/cl/9c3/9c3010.html

bottom line: Complaining and praising can never coexist.

soul journey