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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise You asked Moses, “Is the Lord’s hand shortened?” This reminds me of when you asked Sarah and Abraham, “Is anything too difficult for the Lord?” I worship you today as the God for whom nothing is impossible! You are more than able to meet my needs, and there is nothing in harmony with your nature that you cannot perform. Mighty indeed is the Lord my God! Today in Your Word Today you told me how you led the Israelites from Sinai to Kadesh-barnea. You led them by the cloud which stayed over the Tabernacle. When the cloud lifted, the Israelites would set out, and when the cloud settled down, the Israelites would camp. Sometimes the cloud remained for one night, while other times the cloud would remain for months. Whatever the case, the Israelites moved only on your command. This teaches me that you lead me one step at a time, and that you want me to learn to move only at your command. The people had been at Mount Sinai for almost a year, but it only took three days on the road to Canaan before they started complaining. They were so caught up in what they didn’t have that they forgot what you had given them: freedom from slavery, your sacred covenant, your presence in their midst, etc. This teaches me that when I’m feeling discontent, I should remember all you’ve done for me and trust you to meet my needs. The spirit of discontent in the camp was not limited to the people. Miriam and Aaron, feeling jealous of Moses due to an incident with Moses’ wife, spoke against him. When they did this, they actually spoke against you, for Moses was your faithful servant. You punished Miriam, the instigator, by striking her with a skin disease, and even though you healed her at Moses’ request, you required her to be put outside the camp for a week. She had to publicly endure the humiliation that went along with being rebuked for disrespect. Once again, you were merciful while exercising effective discipline. Reflection When I complain, I call your goodness into question and express unbelief in your ability to meet my needs (Ps 78:17–20). Have I allowed a spirit of discontent to creep into my life? Request Father, I know that there will be times when you will lead me into difficult situations. Help me to remain obedient to you and trust you to show yourself mighty on my behalf. Thanksgiving Paul said that you want me to “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thess 5:18), so I say with David, “I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth”! (Ps 34:1). In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “Count Your Blessings” by Johnson Oatman, Jr. Meditation Verse: Numbers 11:23. |