May 4, 2026

Numbers 11

1 And when the people complained, it displeased the Lord: and the Lord heard it; and his anger was kindled

In the next chapter, Miriam complained against Moses, the Lord's anointed and became leprous for 7 days as a result.

We have examples throughout the scriptures where people complain and murmur and it never ends well. We we complain, even about simple things, we hide gratitude and forget what the Lord has done. I'd even go as far as to say that complaining is akin to idolatry as it elevates our focus on discomfort over our focus on the Lord.

Complaining is poison to the soul and mind. When we count our many blessings rather than complain, it will indeed surprise us what the Lord has done.

In numbers 11 we read how the children of Israel became bored with manna. If there are ever times when we might feel that our daily bread is not exciting enough, that the commandments are boring, or that we need something more, we need to closely the carefully evaluate where our heart is, how engaged in His work we are, our understanding of the Fall and the Atonement, and our gratitude.

As we increase our commitment and actions to follow our Savior, the daily bread He provides becomes sweet and joyous. But if we do not strive, it will become monotonous and as a wedge separate us from Him.