By David Nii of Centennial, Colorado USA
The LORD said to Moses, “Go on ahead of the people, and take some of the elders of Israel with you; take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. I will be standing there in front of you on the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it, so that the people may drink.” Moses did so, in the sight of the elders of Israel. He called the place Massah and Meribah, because the Israelites quarreled and tested the Lord, saying, “Is the Lord among us or not?”
Complaining is a common pastime for many of us. We grumble about what politicians and leaders are doing or not doing. We complain about how people do things the wrong way. We get angry when our needs are not met the way we want. Like the Israelites who left Egypt with Moses, we often respond to problems, challenges, and disagreements with contempt, anger, assigning blame, and verbal or physical violence.
Our discontent expressed with these unhealthy behaviors usually is unproductive in the long term and generally diminishes relationships even with people who try to help. Our constant complaining and grumbling discount our role and responsibility in moving resolution of concerns forward and appear blind to the goodwill of others and the presence and movement of God. We have not yet learned the lessons the ancient Israelites needed to discover in the wilderness.
Life is difficult. We struggle to find healthy ways to meet our needs. We have questions, problems, and concerns with no clear answers. We desire a better future for the coming generations. Discontent with our present-day is a natural part of life. Our invitation, however, is to place our faith in God who is on the journey with us and leading us toward God’s preferred future. God’s presence does not magically get us everything we want in the manner we want it if we just pray the right words. Instead, God’s faithful presence and movement help point us toward living with greater compassion, forgiveness, reconciliation, and healing regardless of the dire circumstances we may be in.
This way of living and responding to discontent ignites us into faithful positive action much more than mere complaint and grumbling. In faith, we recognize our role and responsibility in discovering the next steps in our journey. Like Moses, we are called to proclaim, “God, I know you are with us.” Like Moses, we are called to discern, “God, what am I to do? Help us find a way forward.”
Prayer Phrase
“a new community…is being born” (Doctrine and Covenants 164:5).
Spiritual Community
Meditate on a time when you experienced true belonging—a moment when someone welcomed you, listened to you, encouraged you, or reminded you that you were not walking the journey of faith alone. Prayerfully consider the qualities that help build a Christ-centered community: hospitality, compassion, forgiveness, patience, courage, joy, and a willingness to walk alongside one another. Offer a prayer of gratitude for the communities that have shaped you and a prayer of commitment to help create spaces where all people can experience the love, peace, and presence of Christ.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.