Dr Paul Allen

Habakkuk the prophet, Russian icon from first quarter of 18th cen. (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) We have manifold references in Scripture to believers bitterly complaining and almost accusing God of unfairness or harshness. We sometimes look at these instances and think, “Well, if Moses can do it, if Job can do it, then it must be my prerogative as a Christian to voice my bitterness and complaints.” But we need to notice not just the complaints the biblical saints sometimes make, but the responses God gives. Let’s take Job’s complaint as an example. As Job struggled with his afflictions, he found it impossible not to grumble that God would let one as righteous as he was suffer so greatly. Eventually, however, God answered Job’s complaints with stern words: “Who is this who darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Now prepare yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer Me” ( Job 38:2–3 ). What did Job say? Did he continue to complain? No. Instead, he declared

"And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul." ( Psalm 106:15 )   Christians who complain about their circumstances would do well to ponder this sobering verse and its background. God had greatly blessed His people, Israel , delivering them supernaturally from slavery in Egypt , protecting them against their enemies--even miraculously supplying daily bread and water for them in the desert.   Still they complained--about their food, about the imaginary luxuries they had left behind in Egypt, and against their leaders. "And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard it; and his anger was kindled" ( Numbers 11:1 ). Finally, when they complained about the manna, "the anger of the LORD was kindled greatly." He sent them quail to eat in such abundance as to last "even a whole month, until it come out at your nostrils, and it be loathsome unto you." Then, "while the flesh was yet between t