We murmur on Mondays and we murmur any day we run into unexpected problems. We are much like the people of Israel: Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea and they went into the Desert of Shur. For three days they traveled in the desert without finding water. When they came to Marah, they could not drink its water because it was bitter. (That is why the place is called Marah.) So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, "What are we to drink?"
Then Moses cried out to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a piece of wood. He threw it into the water, and the water became sweet.
There the Lord made a decree and a law for them, and there he tested them. He said, "If you listen carefully to the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you." Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs and seventy palm trees, and they camped there near the water. (Exodus 15:13-17)
Our holy and pure God calls us to be faithful to our covenant to him. It all begins with listening carefully to the voice of the Lord. As we connect to the Lord our hearts are changed from self-centeredness to a desire to please God in every way. As our motivation changes we are more open to and responsive toward the Lord's commands and obedient to his Word.
The Lord faithfully provides for us, turning bitter water into a sweet-tasting treat, even as he removes the bitterness of resentment and offers us the sweetness of reconciliation and peace.
Stop Monday's murmuring and look for God's provision, instead. See not the hills and valleys ahead, but the highway he makes straight as he walks with you. See not the hardships and trials, but the breakthroughs and miracles the Lord will provide. Life itself is sweet when we "listen carefully to the voice of the Lord."
Reach for encouragement. To his glory.
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