Jethro offered a positive example of what it looks like to rejoice with others in what the Lord has done, but as we have seen, the children of Israel struggled to get there. Jethro heard and rejoiced, yet the children of Israel experienced and grumbled. With every sigh, complaint and accusation, the Israelites revealed hearts that were ungrateful for all God had done.

In Philippians 2:14–15, Paul warned us about being constant complainers like the Israelites. There is no place for grumbling and arguing, because it makes us appear more like the world than our true selves – forgiven people who have been given Christ’s righteousness. But if we cast aside grumbling and arguing and rejoice in the Lord instead (Philippians 3:1), we will shine as beacons of light in the dark would around us. This is why we fix our gaze on Christ – who He is and what He has done – so we can anchor our joy on this unchanging truth and not on our ever-changing situations in life.

• What is it about the Lord that makes you rejoice? What has He done recently to make you rejoice?