We have all encountered people who can never be content, assuming we ourselves are not defined by that unfortunate trait. It is an unfortunate trait because it can lead to an endless cycle of misfortune. You see, those who are never content, by virtue of the fact that they are always on the lookout for something that they are not comfortable with, can ironically only be satisfied with an uncomfortable situation. The spirit of discontent in such people is involuntarily searching for negativity and will tend to lead them into negative situations.
Increasing success, multiple victories, breakthroughs or achievements cannot satisfy a spirit that is looking for something to complain about. If you work or live with such a person, you can never do well enough in their opinion. It is a disposition of their nature to find a fault. Well, the natural consequence of complaining when there’s nothing concrete to complain about, is that you are likely to soon have real, tangible reasons to complain.
The Israelites were taught this key lesson, (Num. 21 ;4-9). After initially complaining about the lack of food in the desert, God made manna and quails available for them. Naturally, they were soon complaining against Moses and God again. Well, this time God gave them something to not only complain about, but also lament about. The saraph serpents that God sent among them drove them to repentance real quick, and they were back to pleading with the Moses they had complained against to intercede for them with God.
It is pertinent to note that in granting them relief, God did not remove the snakes. He asked them to look upwards, to a bronze replica mounted on a pole and they were healed. Today, even as we ask for relief from our troubling circumstances, He asks us to fix our minds on what Christ did for us on the Cross, and trust Him for the unlimited graces released from that defining act of mercy. If He could make His beloved Son die for each one of us, He will not deny us anything that is good for us.
May we always approach God with a spirit of gratitude for past blessings. Even when we come to God to discuss an adverse situation, may the Holy Spirit open our eyes to our current blessings so that we can be thankful for them. May we then ask our High Priest in heaven, Jesus Christ, who glorified His Father while on earth, to glorify Him again in that troublesome situation. As we learn to live for God’s glory and not ours, may any spirit of discontent in us become a part of our past. Amen.
Hilltop Thoughts, Valley Strengths 