Being with God in Our Discontent

A Reflection for Monday, March 2 by Tori Mack

Lectionary reading for 03/02/2026: Psalm 128; Numbers 21:4-9; Hebrews 3:1-6;

Selected passage for reflection: Numbers 21:4-9

Read

Numbers 21:4-9 NRSV

4 From Mount Hor they set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom, but the people became discouraged on the way. 5 The people spoke against God and against Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we detest this miserable food.” 6 Then the Lord sent poisonous serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many Israelites died. 7 The people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned by speaking against the Lord and against you; pray to the Lord to take away the serpents from us.” So Moses prayed for the people. 8 And the Lord said to Moses, “Make a poisonous serpent, and set it on a pole, and everyone who is bitten shall look at it and live.” 9 So Moses made a serpent of bronze and put it upon a pole, and whenever a serpent bit someone, that person would look at the serpent of bronze and live. 

Reflect

Life is not always easy. Seasons of discontent come. It is the season I have found myself in. I’m not sure how I got here, but it’s here. The things that used to be a part of my rhythm are now irritating me, and if I’m honest, starting to feel like drudgery. As I read this passage, I resonated with the Israelites. They have been journeying with God and are growing weary. Suffice it to say that their relationship with the Edomites is “complicated” so they are taking the long way around the land of Edom. Their impatience grows in the wilderness, with no food and no water. Complete discontentment among the people is so great that God hears of it and responds by sending a poisonous snake. This is not the ideal response that someone would want from God. 

I want God to do something else about my discontentment, not that! This response brings me awareness that God notices my discontent. Periods of discontent can be seen as an invitation to notice when we have gone too far. My grumbling is not appreciated.  Rather, it is a distraction from the bigger goal. Why are people told to look at the poisonous snake and receive life? I wonder if this is a way for them to recenter their thoughts and minds on what is more important-obedience and trust in God. I can’t say for certain, but my childhood taught me that there was nothing like the sting of a punishment to remember why a different path is not worthwhile. But as a parent, I also understand that the effect of consequences can offer healing and growth.  

Discomfort can be an invitation to grow or change. Rather than resist or ignore the discomfort, take this season of Lent to lament. 

Respond 

This season of Lent offers us space to sit with our discontentment. I offer some questions that may guide you in this season. 

• Are there areas of your life that feel spiritually dry or stagnant?

• Can you pinpoint when you first started feeling this-what was happening in your life?

• Can you trust God’s presence with you in this season?

Rest 

Holy One, You are the God of all seasons. When I am feeling empty, I trust you to fill me with hope. When I feel lost, may I feel your presence. Help me to trust you to be with me in joy, sorrow, melancholy, or discontent.  Amen. 

About the Author 

Tori Mack is a spiritual director who is passionate about accompanying people on their journey with the Divine. If you’re looking for her, you can email her at mrsytmack@gmail.com or find her on a train in search of her next museum adventure.