“Why did you bring the Lord’s community into this desert, that we and our livestock should die here?” (Num. 20:4)
Expanded Passage: Numbers 20:3-5
Perspective is everything. Edmund Spenser was one of C. S. Lewis’ favorite authors. One passage in Spenser’s Faerie Queen tells the story of a young knight on his quest for holiness. His journey had been marked by poignant success, but it had also been wracked with piercing failure. And his failures and shortcomings led him to desperation, depression, and the sin of despair. This fictitious knight had put faith in his circumstances instead of in God. Many of us despair, just like Spenser’s knight. When circumstances go awry, we are tempted to focus on everything that is wrong instead of the One who is righteous.
In this passage, the Israelites do just that. They focus upon their need, and they lash out toward Aaron and Moses. They are despairing, complaining about death, instead of putting their complete trust in God. Aaron and Moses face the ire of the people who, over and over again, look to their leaders instead of to God for physical and spiritual nourishment. After all, it was God, not man, who led the people out of Egypt.
When we face unbearable circumstances, it is tempting to look toward those in authority to fix our problems. We can and should seek accountability and support in our time of need. However, it is God who provides, and to despair without turning to him and trusting is simply wrong.
When you are tempted to complain today, pray instead.
Dalene Fisher is a full-time wife, mother, and grandma. She is a former associate professor of English, dean, and assistant provost at Oklahoma Wesleyan University (OK).
© 2025 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
