God's Word For Today: Constructive Complaining

‘So Moses brought their case before the LORD.’

Numbers 27:5

When you get a reputation as a complainer, people will begin to avoid you. 

There’s an interesting story in the Old Testament about the five daughters of Zelophehad. Here was their problem. Their father had died in the wilderness before the Israelites entered the Promised Land. He had no sons to inherit his land, and the law didn’t allow women to receive it. Consequently, without a father, brothers, husbands, sons, or other men in their immediate family, Zelophehad’s daughters were left out completely. It wasn’t fair, but it was the law. So rather than complaining to others, the sisters presented their ‘petition for an inheritance’ to Moses and the leaders. And When Moses brought their case before God, He agreed with the women and granted their request (see Numbers 27:1-11). 

Now, what do you think the outcome would’ve been if they’d gone around whining to everyone and anyone who’d listen instead of going directly to those who could do something about it, namely Moses and God? It’s doubtful they’d have obtained their inheritance. 

Understand this: God can’t bless complainers! The sin of complaining angered Him to the extent He stopped an entire generation of Israelites from inheriting the Promised Land when they were standing on the very threshold. 

You say, ‘Well, I’ve suffered an injustice, so who should I complain to?’. The Lord, the One who can do something about it! 

The psalmist wrote, ‘I pour out my complaint before Him; I declare my trouble before Him’ (Psalm 142:2 NASB). And that’s the best advice you can take!

Ruth 1-4, John 8:28-59