I imagine God is familiar with our complaints. He’s been putting up with them for centuries. It started at the beginning of time, but when He made it possible for the children of Israel to be freed from the clutches of Egypt, the complaining continued. Thousands of them made their way through the parted waters of the sea – trudged across parched deserts – wore the same clothes and sandals for 40 years and survived on manna, quail and water from an “unknown” source. At night they were led by the light of God to their destination. Still, they complained as we do when the weather gets a little too much to endure or if our prayers aren’t answered right away.

I suppose I understand some of their issues. Can you imagine wearing the same clothes for 40 years. They should’ve been rags by the time they reached their destination – but they weren’t. Each day they would be provided with food from heaven – manna. How many ways can you prepare manna? Quail was also part of the diet. They didn’t even have to hunt for it. It was just there, but were they satisfied? No – they continued to grovel and complain through the entire journey. By the time they reached their destination, they had undoubtedly grown in numbers with new babies being born along the way. God protected this massive group of travelers for the entire journey. He does the same for us each day.

So, it’s hot. It has been for the past few days and relief doesn’t seem to be in the forecast. My plants are withering, just like I do in this heat. Sweat will roll and emotions will heat up too. We are a people that never seems satisfied. Weather is changing all around us. Things like tropical storms are popping up in places that haven’t seen them for many years. Fires burn across the land as natural habitats incinerate as people and animals are displaced or killed. Natural disasters seem to be more apparent in the summer months. Why does God allow them to happen? That seems to be the first source we go to for placing blame. God does not put these perils in our way to frustrate us or cause us pain and loss. God loves His creation much more than mankind does. We can’t really blame climate change either. Why are we so quick to blame someone else for all the bad things?

There are ways that we can cool down and make ourselves comfortable, but complaining about it is like the sound of a dripping faucet. Soon we’ll be getting out the flannel and trying to keep from freezing to death. We will groan about our chilled bones. We will fuss because we can’t leave our homes. We will grovel, just like the Israelites and God will still provide for all of our needs. Trust in His power and love for this world and us.

“I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous or his children begging for bread. He is ever lending generously, and his children become a blessing.” Psalm 37:25