You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trust in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LOD God is an everlasting rock.1 My soul yearns for you in the night; my spirit within me earnestly seeks you.2
Because of our desires we are easily swayed and distracted. In fact, we are warned, Do not love the world, or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and the pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.3 These are the lures of the flesh.
Interestingly, when the Jews were rescued from captivity, led through the Red Sea, and brought into the wilderness, within three days they forgot the miracle and started to grumble for there was no water.4
The Hebrew word for grumbling is lonu or liyn, meaning “to stop by.” It means to overstay or wear out one’s welcome by complaining (all night). It means to be obstinate and demanding, like a thankless guest who feels entitled.5
Feelings are valid. We lament a loss, a betrayal, a hurt caused by the unfaithfulness. The list is limitless. We are not to deny our feelings, neither are we to nurse it. These negative feelings alarm us that there is something wrong. It is like a red light in a car’s dash board that indicates a problem that has to be addressed.
The soul comprises the emotions, the intellect, and the will. The emotions are reactive, swayed by the flesh. Through the Spirit we are reminded of all truth.6 Through the Spirit we have the ability to control our emotions and not be controlled by it; we can will our mind to obey Truth. When David lusted over Bathsheba, got her pregnant, and had Uriah killed, the LORD afflicted the child as a consequence. David therefore sought God on behalf of the child. And David fasted and went in and lay all night on the ground. David understood that the child was dead. . . Then David arose from the earth and washed and anointed himself and changed his clothes. And he went into the house of the LORD and worshiped. He then went to his own house. . . and he ate.7 David moved on. Knowing the death that he would have to die, Jesus prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground.8 While in prison Paul wrote, Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.9
Through adversity we are made strong. The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the LORD tests hearts.10 Thus, Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, . . .11 Now the Lord is the Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.12
Notes:
1. Isaiah 26:3-4
2. Isaiah 26:9a
3. 1 John 2:15-16
4. Exodus 14-15
5. https://blog.adw.org/2018/03/grumblings-wilderness-much-teach-us-lesson-two/
6. John 14:15-17
7. 2 Samuel 12:11-12:16, 19-20
8. Luke 22:41-44
9. Philippians 4:4-7
10. Proverbs 17:3
11. Philippians 2:14-16
12. 2 Corinthians 3:17-18
