What to Do with Our Burdens in Times of Great Distress

When struggles arise and obstacles hinder progress, the easy solution is complaining.

Naturally, it is easier to complain and think about all we don’t have or how things are not going our way. However, how does God view constant complaining?

In Number 11, we see God’s anger was kindled from the constant complaints of the Israelites. In Exodus, we see the journey and miracles that God used to take them out of slavery from Egypt.

Despite God’s faithfulness and provision, in Exodus 16: 1-3, we see the Israelites romanticizing their imprisonment in Egypt and complaining against Moses and Aaron for bringing them in the wilderness with lack of food.

Yet, God provided by raining down manna from heaven. He provided for them despite their grumbling against Him.

Now, in Numbers 11, the same provision and blessing that God provided, manna, became a reason for complaint from the people.

Now the rabble that was among them had a strong craving. And the people of Israel also wept again and said, “Oh that we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we ate in Egypt that cost nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic. But now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at.” – Numbers 11:4

When we choose to complain against God, we question his intention. The Israelites blamed God.

However, we see how God is receptive to our questions and bringing our burdens to him.

Moses did exactly that by bringing the weight of what he endured to God.

Moses said to the Lord, “Why have you dealt ill with your servant? And why have I not found favor in your sight, that you lay the burden of all this people on me? Did I conceive all this people? Did I give them birth, that you should say to me, ‘Carry them in your bosom, as a nurse carries a nursing child,’ to the land that you swore to give their fathers? Where am I to get meat to give to all this people? For they weep before me and say, ‘Give us meat, that we may eat.’ I am not able to carry all this people alone; the burden is too heavy for me.”  – Numbers 11:11-14

God met Moses in his distress. He instructed him to bring 70 elders to share his load (Numbers 11:16-17)

When we endure a great stress or feel discouraged, what can we do instead of complaining?

We can come before the Lord and openly pray and talk to Him about our burdens.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. – Philippians 4:6

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. – Psalm 55:22

Prayer:

Father God, you are good. You are a God who cares for me. You sacrificed your son so I can have life.  I pray that I do not come before you in complaint. Even though my circumstances change, you never do. You are faithful. I pray that you lift the burdens that I’m shouldering. I pray that my trust and love for you grows day by day. I choose to praise you.