The Sin of Murmuring
By Pastor Jerry A. Burns
Someone wisely said, “Murmuring is an outward manifestation of an inward lawlessness and rebellion against a holy God.” Those words may seem strong, but they reveal an important biblical truth. We often think of murmuring as a small sin—a passing complaint, a critical spirit, or a few negative words. Yet God takes it seriously because murmuring is rarely about our circumstances; it is about our heart toward Him.
When the children of Israel wandered through the wilderness, they repeatedly murmured against Moses and Aaron. On the surface, it appeared they were complaining about their leaders, the food, or the hardships of the journey. But God made it clear that their complaints were ultimately directed against Him. He had led them out of Egypt. He had parted the Red Sea. He had provided manna from heaven. Yet every complaint questioned His wisdom, doubted His goodness, and challenged His sovereignty.
I have found that murmuring often begins when I lose sight of who is in control. When life doesn’t unfold according to my plans, it is easy to complain. But every complaint whispers, “God, I would have handled this better.” Gratitude, on the other hand, declares, “Lord, I trust You even when I don’t understand.”
This does not mean we never express our burdens to God. The Psalms are full of honest cries from broken hearts. There is a great difference between pouring our hearts out to God in faith and grumbling against God in unbelief. One seeks His help; the other questions His character.
As believers, we are called to be lights in a dark world. A thankful spirit shines brightly in a generation marked by criticism, entitlement, and constant dissatisfaction. Every time we choose gratitude over grumbling, we testify that our confidence rests not in our circumstances but in our faithful God.
May the Lord help us guard our hearts. Before a complaint reaches our lips, may we ask ourselves, “Am I trusting God, or am I resisting His will?” A heart surrendered to Christ will learn to praise Him even in the wilderness.
Pay close attention to your words today. Every complaint is an opportunity either to trust God's providence or to question it. Ask the Lord to replace a murmuring spirit with a grateful heart that rests in His perfect wisdom and goodness.
"The fear of man bringeth a snare: But whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe." — Proverbs 29:25
Daily Scripture Reading
Join us as we read through the Bible in one year, growing together in God’s Word day by day. Click on any underlined verse to access Pastor Burns’ helpful study notes and deeper insights.
Acts 8:26-40
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This Week's Radio Program
Week Eighteen • May 3, 2026
Trusting God With Tomorrow (Pt. 3)
In this final part of the message, “Trusting God with Tomorrow,” we are brought face to face with a powerful truth from Scripture—while we often plan our days and assume the future, the Bible teaches us that life is fragile, uncertain, and completely in God’s hands. As James reminds us, our life is “even a vapour” that appears for a little time and then vanishes away . The issue is not planning, but planning without God—living as though we are in control of what only God knows.
This message walks through the heart of biblical trust: having a proper perspective of tomorrow, a humble posture before God today, and a surrendered plan that says, “If the Lord will.” Whether facing uncertainty, fear, or the illusion of control, we are called to draw near to God, rest in His care, and trust that His will is good, even when tomorrow is unknown. Because Christ has risen, our future is secure—not in our plans, but in His perfect hands.