Tag Archives: draw near to God

An Alternative To Grumbling (Numbers 16-17; Psalm 90)

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My mother underlined Psalm 90:12,14 in her Bible. As I think about those verses this morning I am blessed by the fact that God knows the number of my days in this flesh and blood body I’m wearing. In fact, He’s already seen my physical death and welcomed me home, because He lives outside of time. I am forced to live this life one sixty second minute at a time. He is not. And knowing my days are in His hands brings me peace and assurance. May I begin every morning, allowing God to satisfy me with His unfailing love, with His joy so that I will sing his praises and be glad all my days.

The Old Testament Jews were always grumbling, always complaining about something. What a miserable way to spend our days. There has to be a better way, an alternative to complaining, doesn’t there?

Moses said something to the complaining Levites that spoke to me today. He asked them, “Isn’t it enough that God has set you apart and brought you near to himself? Isn’t it enough that God has given you the privilege of serving Him today in a way no one else can serve Him?”

The answer is, “Yes, it is enough.” Or at least it should be the answer. In fact, it is more than enough. More than I deserve.

So when I find myself wanting to grumble about something, I pray I learn to number my days, to get alone with God who has drawn me near, and allow Him to satisfy me with His unfailing love and joy. May I read His Word and pray, may I be “in the moment” of His embrace. May I be quick to turn from complaining, to singing His praises.

Oh, I can always find something to grumble about. But there is a better alternative.

 

 

 

June 7; The Meaningless Life

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I Kings 11; Ecclesiastes 1-2

As wise as Solomon was, he was a fool when it came to sin. Does anyone think sleeping with 1,000 women was smart? And just like God had warned, sleeping with the enemy led to bigger problems.

It’s a sad fact that this great king, so blessed by God, has this said about him at the end of his life:

So Solomon did evil in the eyes of the Lord; he did not follow the Lord completely as David his father had done. (I Kings 11:6)

This man, who had everything you and I ever dreamed of having, and more, hated life. Everything, he concluded, is meaningless, like chasing after the wind.

Of course it is, Solomon. Life IS meaningless when you chase the wind. Whether you are pursuing happiness, knowledge, wealth, fame, self-fulfillment, or relationships, your pursuit is meaningless.  This life is a drop in the eternity bucket. And everything that drove you in this life will be gone.

The only thing eternal is God. The only thing that you’ll take with you when you die is your soul. The only worthwhile pursuit is Jesus. Life is only meaningless for those who are not in God’s family. The thing is, some people who are trying so hard don’t even know how meaningless are their efforts

But I will tell you with confidence, life is anything BUT meaningless. The pursuit of Jesus, of holiness, of fellowship with God makes this life beautiful and full. And this is only a glimpse at what is in store for us who know Jesus as our Savior.

Life doesn’t have to be meaningless. Jesus himself said this:

I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10b)

Doesn’t sound like a meaningless life to me!