Be careful before we complain

It seems that God's people love to complain. In Isaiah's time, they also complained ... a LOT! And when God heard their complaints, he passed on this message through the prophet:

Why would you ever complain, O Jacob, or, whine, Israel, saying, “God has lost track of me. He doesn’t care what happens to me”? Don’t you know anything? Haven’t you been listening? God doesn’t come and go. God lasts. He’s Creator of all you can see or imagine. He doesn’t get tired out, doesn’t pause to catch his breath. And he knows everything, inside and out. He energizes those who get tired, gives fresh strength to dropouts. For even young people tire and drop out, young folk in their prime stumble and fall. But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, They run and don’t get tired, they walk and don’t lag behind. (Isaiah 40)

These were the 2 thoughts that struck me in Eugene Peterson's paraphrase.

God has not lost track of you!

God Lasts!

Thought: Before we complain to God, perhaps we should stop and take stock of what God has done for us.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

It is easy to complain

It is very easy to make complaints against other people, as well as against the Lord. The commentator (Wolf) remarks:  “How easy it is to believe in the infinite power of God and at the same time to feel that He is unable to meet our personal needs!” And I am sure there are a fair number of us who can relate to these words. 

In trying to remind the Israelites that Yahweh was still sovereign, Isaiah challenged them: "Why do you complain, Jacob? Why do you say, Israel, “My way is hidden from the Lord; my cause is disregarded by my God”? (Isaiah 40:27)

He was imploring them to remember that God does still care for us. Although it may be easy to complain, let us hold onto all the promises that come to us from the Lord. Here is a powerful reminder of this truth. 

1 Peter 5:7 - Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Living in Grace

D3LM3