How Soon We Forget

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Scripture:

Psa. 106:13        But they soon forgot his works;
        they did not wait for his counsel.
14     But they had a wanton craving in the wilderness,
        and put God to the test in the desert;
15     he gave them what they asked,
        but sent a wasting disease among them.

Observation:

The people of God were self-indulgent and filled with self-seeking discontent. Completely impatient with God, they decided to make their own decisions. They forgot about all that God had done for them in the past and the didn’t bother to consult the God of the future. The result was that “they fell prey to their own unsanctified emotions.” (New Bible Commentary). In doing so they suffered the consequences of forgetting about God.

Application:

This morning our world is in a bit of turmoil. The vote in the UK last Thursday has thrown things into a bit of uproar and created a sense of uncertainty regarding the future. Economically it could make things challenging for the whole world.

We all have days when we wake up and our world is in turmoil. We suffer illness, unexpected loss and decisions that shake us to the very core.  This quote from J.R.R. Tolkien in the “Fellowship of the Ring" is a gentle reminder for how we may want to consider our response:

“I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo.
"So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” 

The time that has been given us is one in which we are to remember and contemplate God and God's counsel. All of the Israelites’ needs were met when they were wandering in the wilderness. They became impatient and put God to the test instead of trusting in God's tender loving kindness and leading.

Let us not forget all that God has done for us in the past and that the God of the future still has us on his heart and mind. The world around us may not feel very good and/or secure. The world has been through these times before and will happen again. We wish difficulties wouldn’t come — but they do. We must decide how we will respond. Will we trust in the God who has always been faithful, or will we give in to our frustrations and ultimately destroy all the good that God wants to do for us? Unsanctified emotions will destroy. Sanctified hearts and minds will follow and trust the leading of our God who will walk with us and make provision through the wilderness of life.

Prayer:

LORD, thank you for your faithfulness in the past and in the days and years to come.  Amen.

If you would like to read more "Reflecting the Image"  click on the image to take you to the NPH bookstore.The book is also available in Kindle format on Amazon.com.


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