No Whining, Please
The Israelites had conquered Jericho and Joshua’s “fame spread 1 throughout the land” (Josh. 6:27). But Achan disobeyed God’s order. He took some of the things that God had told the Israelites to leave alone.
God’s anger “burned against Israel” (Josh. 7:1) and they lost their next battle, suffering the death of some three thousand men. Joshua tore his clothes and fell down on the ground.
The next few verses (Josh. 7:7-9) record Joshua’s lament to God. He asked God why he had brought them to this side of the Jordan only for the enemy to defeat them.
Then in verse 10, we have God’s response: “Stand up! What are you doing down on your face?”
There Joshua was in front of God the Most High, whining about circumstances, albeit grave circumstances.
When my behavior resembles Joshua’s I find myself paralyzed. I fuss about conditions that don’t seem to be my fault.
“Why am I so overtired, God? Why did you let me take on so many responsibilities that I can’t complete without burning out? Why do you want me to do so much?” Whine, whine, whine.
Then I remember this verse. I love it.
“Stand up!”
“What! Me? But I’m a mess and I’m tired and I need comfort.”
“What are you doing down on your face?”
“I’m crying out in front of you, God. Can’t I do that?”
And then I can almost see him smile. Of course, I can cry in front of God, be honest about my feelings, and go to him for comfort.
But sometimes I behave like a spoiled child. I have made some poor choices and had to live in the wake of their consequences.
I want a quick fix, a big hug. Instead, God draws me up short out of my pity and I face reality.
His words have the power to change my whining to repentance. I know that God has a lot to say about the balance and nurture of the soul.
Jesus went away by himself to pray (Matt. 14:23), and I don’t do that when I am overly busy.
I neglect the very thing that gives me life. I don’t have time for refreshment from God, so I go to him and complain about all I have to do.
Standing up and looking in the mirror works wonders. I no longer maintain the posture of a victim but come before my Father and ask his forgiveness. Then I decide what I need to do to remedy my situation.
Sometimes the solution is painful. I may have to reevaluate commitments and alter my schedule. I need to pay attention to whatever it is that I have done to render me helpless on the floor.
Then I experience God’s forgiveness and blessing. Then I stand up, to his glory Father, forgive me when I sit in self-pity.
Thank you for the strong words that changed me.