Finding Peace Through Trust, Rest, and Letting Go

The Root of Complaining: A Lack of Trust

Hey there, friend.

I don’t know about you, but sometimes it feels like complaining is the easiest thing to do when life isn’t going the way we expected. We vent, we get frustrated, and we feel like it’s the only way to release the pressure. But what if I told you that complaining isn’t actually helping? What if it’s a sign of something deeper that needs to shift? A shift that can bring real peace, real growth, and real rest.

I’ve been thinking a lot about this lately. I’ve caught myself in moments of frustration, where I just want to complain because the situation feels beyond my control. But, the more I reflect, the more I’m learning that complaining is just a symptom of something bigger: a lack of trust.

God’s Provision and the Call to Trust

I was reading through Exodus 16-18 recently, and, wow, did it hit me differently this time. I’m sure you’ve heard the story of the Israelites wandering in the desert, right? They were hungry, tired, and uncertain about the future. And as you can imagine, they started complaining. A lot. They said, “We wish we were back in Egypt!” They felt abandoned, alone, and unsure of what was going to happen next.

God didn’t respond with frustration or anger. Instead, He showed up in the most incredible way. God gave them manna, bread from heaven, and quail for meat. He didn’t give them leftovers or just enough for the day. He gave them exactly what they needed, every single day. They didn’t have to worry about tomorrow. God was already providing for them in that moment.

In Matthew 6:34, we’re told, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” And that’s exactly what we see in the story of the Israelites. They didn’t have to stress about the future, because God was providing everything they needed today. They didn’t have to hoard the manna or hold on to it in fear that it wouldn’t come again. Trusting God means trusting that He will provide what we need in the present moment.

The Challenge of Letting Go of Control

That’s a hard lesson for me to swallow sometimes. I want to control everything and make sure everything is secure for the future, but I’m learning that trusting God is not about worrying and hoarding. It’s about letting go of the need for control and trusting that He’s got it. If we’re constantly holding on to worries, it’s like we’re not trusting God’s provision.

The Command to Rest as an Act of Trust

Another thing that stands out to me is the way God commanded rest. On the sixth day, He told the Israelites to gather enough manna for two days so that they could rest on the seventh. Rest wasn’t just a nice suggestion. It was a command. God wanted them to stop, trust, and take a break. Rest is not a sign of weakness; it’s an act of trust.

In a world that celebrates hustle and doing more, this is a reminder that it’s okay to stop. In fact, it’s necessary. Matthew 11:28-30 says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Rest isn’t just about physical sleep; it’s about surrendering control and trusting that God is still at work even when we pause.

The Power of Delegation and Community

But that’s not all, there’s more. In Exodus 18, Moses, the leader of the Israelites, was trying to carry the burden of everything by himself. He was leading the people, resolving disputes, and managing it all. But his father-in-law, Jethro, noticed something: Moses couldn’t do it all alone. He was burning out. He needed help. So Jethro encouraged Moses to delegate responsibilities to others, leaders who could share the load. This wasn’t just good advice; it was necessary for the well-being of the community.

I know I’ve been guilty of trying to do it all on my own. I’m sure you have too. Whether it’s work, family, or life in general, we try to carry it all because we think we have to. But Jethro’s words are a reminder: We don’t have to carry the weight alone. We were never meant to do life by ourselves. We’re supposed to lean on each other, share the load, and trust that we don’t have to be in control all the time.

Trust Takes Time: A Journey of Growth

So, what does this mean for us? This is all a process. Complaining isn’t going to solve anything. It’s just a reflection of our lack of trust, and trust, my friend, takes time. But I believe this is where we can grow. Right now, I’m learning that it’s time to trust, to rest, and to ask for help.

Action Steps We Can Take Together:

If you’re feeling the weight of it all, I want to encourage you to try something with me:

1. Catch yourself before complaining: Whenever you feel frustration creeping in, try to pause. Take a deep breath and recognize the moment. Instead of complaining, ask yourself: What can I trust in this moment? What is God providing right now, even if it’s not what I expected?

2. Shift from hoarding to trusting:

Whether it’s your time, your emotions, or your resources, trust that you don’t have to hold everything so tightly. Trust that each day will bring what you need. You don’t have to carry everything at once. And remember, “Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34)

3. Rest, don’t hustle:

I know, rest is hard, especially when life feels busy. But rest isn’t just about physical sleep. It’s about taking a step back, trusting that God is still at work even when we pause. We need it to recharge our hearts and minds. What would it look like for you to take time to rest this week? You don’t have to do it all.

4. Delegate and share the load:

Don’t try to do everything by yourself. Who can you lean on for support? Ask for help when you need it. Life was never meant to be carried alone. “Two are better than one.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9)

5. Clear your headspace and spirit:

Take a moment to clear out the noise, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Trust that peace is available when you create space to receive it. Sometimes, it’s not about doing more, it’s about clearing room to receive what you’ve been missing. “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

These action steps may seem small, but they’re part of the bigger shift that’s happening in our hearts. We’re walking through this together, learning to trust, rest, and let go. And let me tell you, we can take this journey one step at a time, and we’ll be better for it.

The Full Story

If you’re curious about the full story, you can find it in Exodus 16-18. It’s all there; the Israelites’ struggles, God’s provision, the importance of rest, and the power of community. These chapters show us that we’re not in this alone and that God is faithful to provide, even when things feel uncertain.

I’m here, right alongside you, learning and growing. Let’s do this together. 💙🙌