Do Not Sin in Frustration

Note from today’s Bible reading: Numbers 20-22

From the time when the Israelites were led out of the land of Egypt, they complained constantly. Even though God continued to provide for them in the wilderness, they questioned Moses, “Why then have you brought the Lord’s assembly into this wilderness, for us and our beasts to die here?” (Numbers 20:4).

On this occasion, they were complaining because there was “no water” (Numbers 20:2). Yet God had already provided for them in a situation just like this (Exodus 17:1-7). They should have known better than to complain like this, but they were slow to learn.

God told Moses to speak to the rock, and water would come forth for the congregation (Numbers 20:8). When Moses stood before the people, he said, “Listen now, you rebels; shall we bring forth water for you out of this rock?” (Numbers 20:10). His frustration was obvious. However, rather than speak to the rock as God said, he struck the rock (Numbers 20:11). God still provided water for the people; but because of Moses’ sin, he would not be able to enter the promised land (Numbers 20:12).

It is easy for us to sympathize with Moses. In fact, we might marvel that he did not have an outburst like this earlier. Yet he allowed his emotions to get the better of him and suffered the consequences. This same kind of thing can happen to us today.

So do not sin in frustration. An unguarded reaction to a difficult situation can quickly undo so much good. Let us be careful how we respond to stressful situations and not do something we will later regret.