Psalm 78 recounts the deliverance of Israel from Egypt. Much of the psalm has to do with the rebelliousness of the people.
“They tested God in their heart by demanding the food they craved. They spoke against God, saying, ‘Can God spread a table in the wilderness? He struck the rock so that water gushed out and streams overflowed. Can he also give bread or provide meat for his people?’ Therefore, when the Lord heard, he was full of wrath; a fire was kindled against Jacob; his anger rose against Israel, because they did not believe in God and did not trust his saving power” (Psalm 78:18-22).
God was upset, and rightfully so. Why? Because “they did not believe in God and did not trust in his saving power.”
They doubted the power and ability of God. If you really think about it, the whole idea is ludicrous. They declared that their God was the God, the One who made everything. How, then, could He possibly be unable to do something so relatively small as to provide food for them? From our vantage point, their argument is preposterous.
Yet, we often do the same thing. We doubt if God can help us in our times of need. We wonder whether He really has the ability to rescue us and provide for us.
Lord, forgive my lack of faith in You. Cause me to trust in You and Your saving power.
So needed this today! I’m embarrassed to say that today I was wearing my Hebrew garb and standing in the camp of doubt! As I’ve sought to respond to the needs I found in the Serbian institution I recently visited I’ve felt overwhelmed. Forgetting it was God that took me there in the first place and he will provide the power to walk in obedience now!