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"COMPLAINING DISPLEASES THE LORD" "And when the people COMPLAINED, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the LORD burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp." (Numbers 11:1) (caps mine)It seems that some folks are never happy unless they're complaining about something. If it isn't their place of employment, then it's their unemployment. Some people wish they were older while others long to be younger. Many enjoy good health while others battle every day with pain. Yet, all find time to complain.I believe the Scriptures teach us that a complaining spirit is often the result of a bitter soul. We read in Job 7:11,"Therefore I will not refrain my mouth; I will speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will COMPLAIN in the BITTERNESS of my soul." (caps mine)When we come to that place in our walk with Jesus Christ and recognize that God is always working behind the scenes in every area of our lives; that's when we'll realize that complaining is an exercise in futility. Complaining is a one-way street that leads to nowhere, and for you and I as Christians, as the verse in Numbers declares, brings God much displeasure.Now, here's some sound advice for someone reading this who feels like they need to complain about something that's troubling them, instead of venting to others, just go ahead and take it to the Lord. Psalm 102:1 tells us, "Hear my prayer, O LORD, and let my cry come unto thee." And for good measure here's another great truth concerning taking those complaints to the LORD, "I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed before him my trouble." (Psalm 142:2)Remember friends, complaining is the poorest return anyone can pay when they're enjoying the richest blessings God gives everyday. As we travel along living for the Lord, what do you say we just stop this constant complaining and offer continual praise to Him?