“They want what?” Murray couldn’t believe his ears. How can they be so ungrateful? After everything he’d done to help free them from the owner’s backward way of thinking, this is how they repay him? He ran his fingers through his hair.

“They’re asking for raises,” Aiden said. He slouched in his chair. “They also want longer breaks and lunches.”

Murray clenched his fists. Every morning he had laid out their schedule and provided exactly what they needed for the day. Now they grumble about everything.

The bathrooms weren’t clean enough. One complained the worker next to him talked on the phone too much. Another said that one woman typed too loudly.

When will it end? Why can’t they just be thankful for what they have?

Murray paced. “You know he’ll never go for that. Not after all we went though to be free of him.”

“I know, but what do we do?”

“Convince them to trust and wait for what’s to come.”

“How?”

“Think of something. You’re the communicator.”

Aiden tapped his finger on his chin. Seconds later, he stood. “Yes, we’ll stop the grumblers in their tracks.”

Do you know someone who complains and grumbles about everything? They never have anything good to say? A cloud of negativity follows them wherever they go. I bet someone comes to mind right now, huh? There’s always at least one in every crowd.

How do we deal with them? How did Moses? The Israelites wrote the book on grumbling. Let’s take a closer look.

Moses listened. God had delivered the Israelites from Pharaoh’s army. After that the people were grateful. However, it quickly turned to complaints and grumbling. They were thirsty, hungry, and tired. So, what did Moses do? He listened to them. He needed to know what they wanted. Do we listen to a grumbler? Or do we see them coming and run in the opposite direction? Maybe they just want someone to talk to. Someone to take five minutes to hear what they have to say. Is that so hard? I know what you’re thinking…sometimes you just can’t please certain people. I agree! However, we need to give them a chance. How about it?

Moses took their requests to God. After listening to their complaints, Moses asked God what to do. God provided water, manna, and quail. Enough for their daily needs. Nothing more, nothing less. Did that satisfy them? For a while, but once again, they started to complain. So, Moses being the patient man he was went back to God. Did he get angry with the Israelites? Frustrated? Probably. Who wouldn’t? Do we have the patience we should with people like this? I would hazard a guess to say we don’t. I confess I don’t, but I’m learning! Let’s learn from Moses and ask God to show us how to deal with grumblers.

It’s true. There are some people who are just chronic complainers and grueling grumblers. And yes, there are times when we do just have to walk away. However, what can we do about it? Keep praying. Try lending a listening ear. Be positive. We just never know when our cheerful attitude will rub off on them.

How about we search our own hearts—do we grumble too much?  I recently wrote an article about a family who are serving in West Africa. I’ve seen pictures of the living accommodations in their area. Do we know how good we have it here? We have solid roofs over our heads, clean running water, easy access to what we need, etc. But, do you know what else I saw looking at the pictures? SMILES…and lots of them! They’re happy. Why aren’t we?

We have nothing to grumble and complain about.

Be thankful. Stay positive. And smile. It will not only cheer our hearts but wear off on those grumblers around us!

How do you deal with negative people that complain about everything? Share your secrets!

Exodus 16:2 (NIV)

“In the desert the whole community grumbled against Moses and Aaron.”

Proverbs 15:13 (ASV)

“A glad heart maketh a cheerful countenance; But by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken.”

Joyful, Joyful

(this version is by Bernie Herms | Mark Hall)

May this song rub off on us so others will see our joy! Let’s learn how to love each other.

Sing along and tap your toe! 😀