DON’T SQUEAK! SHINE! (part 1 of 2)
It has often been said, “It is the squeaky wheel that gets the grease.” It may not take long for such squeaking to get on one’s nerves. The expression relative to life is that though there may be the need for many things to be done, the attention often goes to those who keep doing the most complaining or make the loudest protests to attract attention with the hope the service they desire will be granted. Perhaps they are at times given into just to stop the noise.
If we tire so easily of grumbling, murmuring, and complaining, remember God is fully aware of all of it going on. What does He think of it all? Does He see a real lack of contentment even in the midst of plenty? Does He notice a great lack of appreciation? Is He witnessing a lot of whining from those who just want their own way regardless of what may really be best for all? And is all of this going on due to a lack of focus on God, all that He has graciously provided, and the manner in which He desires life to be lived?
There is a sense in which complaining can be a clear sign of lacking trust in God. Consider Israel during the time of their journey through the wilderness. Though continually provided for during their travels (note Deuteronomy 8:3-4), the grumbling and murmuring arose again and again with the desire even voiced on more than one occasion of returning to Egypt. In the 106th psalm we find a history lesson of Israel’s complaining and lack of trust in God. About halfway through this psalm we read. . .
“(24) Then they despised the pleasant land, having no faith in his promise. (25) They murmured in their tents, and did not obey the voice of the Lord. (26) Therefore he raised his hand and swore to them that he would make them fall in the wilderness, (27) and would make their offspring fall among the nations, scattering them among the lands.” (Psalm 106:24-27 ESV)
This is what their complaining brought them. Due to their lack of faith in God, that generation fell in the wilderness, not receiving the blessing God had been leading them toward. The “squeaky wheel” may get attention, but not necessarily that of blessing. With God, it appears to not be the “squeaky wheel” that gets what they want, but the “wheel” that is willing with trusting faith to follow along with Him in the direction He is leading. May we accept God’s direction in a manner that truly reveals we believe He knows what He is doing and that our greatest blessings are still yet to come.
Have a great day LEAVING THE WHINE BEHIND!
Carl
