Peevishness and discontent are not Christ-like. His wish for us, ‘Do all things without murmurings.’ ‘Take no anxious thought.’ ‘Fret not thyself.’ Selfishness the root of discontent.
I. Insignificant provocations.—Petty worries, crossings, injuries ruffle the spirit; yet little things are your Lord’s care.
II. Many grumblings come from troubles—
(a) Exaggerated.
(b) Imaginary.
(c) Anticipated.
Look at things as they are. ‘Your Father knoweth.’
III. If real anxieties cause fretting, then remember complainings aggravate. Israel in wilderness (Exodus 15, 16, 17).