Then Israel sang this song: “Spring up, O well! Sing to it! The well, which the leaders dug, Which the nobles of the people hollowed out, With the scepter and with their staffs.” Numbers 21:17-18 NASB
I don’t’ want to be too gross here, but I have had tummy and intestinal issues since returning from my overseas trip in January. In addition, I had some hip pain that was causing sleepless nights. When I don’t get enough sleep, my mind acts like a tired toddler. Every little annoyance seems like a major crisis. These are excuses for why I was grumbling and complaining. The fact remains; I was whining. My mouth phrased it as a prayer request, but my disposition spoke “cranky,” for days.
I was reading in the book of Numbers where the nation of Israel wandered in the wilderness. For years they marched in circles because they would not follow God’s commands. They grumbled and complained against God, Moses and Aaron. God would discipline them for their insolence; Moses would intercede for them; God would forgive them. Again and again, this pattern played out.
God had delivered them from slavery. He miraculously provided food and water in the wilderness. God selected them above all nations to be in special relationship with Himself. Time and again, God rescued them, saved them and provided for them. I shake my head. Why did they keep forgetting God’s blessings and get mired in complaining?
However, in Numbers 21 something surprising happened. After the bronze serpent incident, God brought Israel back to the place where He had miraculously provided water. There Israel sang a song. This was surprisingly new! In the song, they honored their leaders, and by extension, they honored God. Their disposition transformed from complaining to praising, and take a look at what happened next. Immediately, they had two military victories. Praise was their turning point.
I knew this was a word for me. Praise is my turning point too. I immediately worshiped God with music and song. My singing rang through the whole house. My tummy issues and pain did not resolve right away. However, my disposition did. Praising God reshaped my attitude, from complaint to praise.
Days later, I realized that I had written a devotion entitled “Praise is The Turning Point.” I looked back to see what that was about. I had written that devotion three years ago about this same verse in Numbers!
Now I am shaking my head at myself. How can I so quickly forget God’s blessings and get mired in complaining?
I am so glad that I record God’s words to me in a journal. I can look back and remember His blessings and faithfulness in every season. I also feel blessed to share my words with you. As I am reminding you, I am again reminded that praising God turns complaint into victory.
PS. My earlier devotion entitled “Praise is The Turning Point” was posted on my blog in November of 2022. I have made it a featured post for the next few weeks so that you can find it easily. Perhaps I should have labeled it “Praise is the Victory.” Maybe I will the next time I write about this verse 😊