Grumbling doubts God’s goodness and shakes our fist at him. Groaning by the Spirit hates the brokenness of the world—the sin and the suffering—because it’s not how it’s supposed to be, but also holds onto the sure that that one day, things will be exactly how they’re supposed to be forever. 

Grumbling is Natural

Grumbling happens naturally for most of us. The circumstances of our lives collide with our expectations, hopes, and dreams and in our hearts, we begin our fist-shaking. I’m often tempted to excuse my grumbling heart by saying things like, “It’s just so frustrating.” For me, this temptation often comes when the brokenness of this world shows up over and over again.

It’s easy to think, “Why is this happening to us?” “Why does this have to happen now?” “Doesn’t God know how worn out we already are?” (Hear an annoyed tone in those questions?)

Grumbling is when I doubt God’s goodness in his providential and sovereign plans for my life.

It’s so easy for me to see this in other people (especially my kids!) and so easy for me to excuse it in my own heart.

Grumbling is Evil

And yet, the Bible is so clear about the evil that is going on my heart in those moments:

• We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer. (1 Corinthians 10:9-10)
• Do all things without grumbling. (Philippians 2:14)

Yikes! Do all things without grumbling? Every single thing? That’s the call. How serious is this sin of grumbling? Citizens of Israel were destroyed for their grumbling against God. Why?

Because it’s a direct assault on the character and wisdom of the all-wise, sovereign, and holy God who orders all things according to the counsel of his will (Eph 1:11). It’s saying we think we could do things better if he’d just take our advice on these things. And frankly, it’s an insult to the love of God for us in Christ. It’s us saying, “Yes, we know that you have promised to pursue us with goodness and mercy all the days of our lives and work all things for our good—but I want you to love me how I think is best.”

Have you ever had a situation with little children where they were frustrated and grumbled about the decisions you made? What were they missing? Normally, they are missing the bigger context. Little children simply can’t see what adults can see. They don’t as much and haven’t been through as much and aren’t think as broadly. There’s a gap in the amount a child knows and the amount and adult knows.

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