Murmuring; a Past and Present Problem

Exodus chapters 15 thru 17 can show us a great deal about the Lord and his patience and mercy for his children. When I read these chapters I feel a little taken back by the attitude of the Israelites. They have just been delivered by the hand of God through Moses. When first arriving at Marah the water there was bitter or undrinkable, the people quickly began to murmur, notwithstanding three days earlier they walked across the Red Sea on dry ground. One might think what is wrong with these people. After two months the children of Israel again become disgruntled with Moses for the want of food. At this point the people are wishing they were still in bondage in Egypt. The scripture isn’t clear about how much time passes before the people again become angry with Moses and almost ready to stone him, for the want of water.

This pattern goes on and on and even begins before they have even been delivered from Egypt. Even though miracles occur before their very eyes they still complain and are ready to jump ship at every hardship. We might be tempted to stand back and think with some self-righteous indignation that we would never do that, or would we? Why is it that people murmur against God and his prophets? May I suggest that we are not that far removed from our ancient Israelite forerunners. How many of us has asked why me or said that’s not fair when trouble finds us?  When economic hardships come, do we expect that the church or government programs should step in and save us; while we sit back with and murmur about the hard lot we have been dealt.

We find in the Book of Mormon the Brethren of Nephi murmur against their father and the Lord over and over again. They too had seen miracles and angels yet they still complained and strayed off the path. The difference to me is two main points. One, are we humble enough to endure and grow from our experiences. Do we believe that we should be entitled to Gods blessings without any trouble along the way? Two, where are our testimonies, and what have we set our hearts upon. We need to remember the blessings we have received and have faith that our Father will continue to help us, though we may have to struggle and stretch ourselves to find the relief and salvation he has for us. There is real danger in murmuring, I have seen this in those I have known both family and friends. When we are disposed to murmuring and criticizing the Lord and his anointed darkness comes and the spirit leave and soon apostasy occurs and we leave the solid ground of truth.