Wisdom from the Psalms (Psalm 78:20)

Behold, he smote the rock, that the waters gushed out, and the streams overflowed; can he give bread also? Can he provide flesh for his people.

Brittany wanted a car, and she got a car. She wanted to go to an expensive college. She wanted her nice clothes, a stereo, a microwave, a television. There was no end to Brittany’s wants. Nothing satisfied her. No matter how much she was given, she wanted more.

We need to be careful that we don’t approach God that way. God wants us to truly appreciate what we have before we go asking for more. He gives good things to His children, and He is willing to give abundantly, but He desires us to learn the real meaning of thankfulness.

Prayer: Dear God, make me appreciative of all the wonderful gifts You give. When I take things for granted, show me the error of my ways. Fill my mind and heart with gratitude for the many blessings I have. Amen.

Wisdom from the Psalms (Psalm 78:14)

Psalms 78:14
In the daytime also he led them with a cloud, and all the night with a light of fire.

The chosen people were afraid. They had to cross a barren wasteland, a desert, with no provisions and not definite sense of where they would end up. The scorching sun frightened them. The dark, cold nights frightened them. They were a people afraid. But the Lord saw their fear, and He sent a cloud to block the scorching sun, and He placed a bright fireball in the sky at night to light their way. The people of God came through the desert safe and sound.

 

God brings us through the wastelands of our live sin the same way. He will not allow us to be tested beyond our strength and endurance. Trust in God’s mercy and love, and He will bring you through any situation.

 

Prayer: Lord, I am sometimes frightened by the challenges I am called on to face. Be with me, and let me lean upon Your strength for support. Amen.

Wisdom from the Psalms

Psalms 78:6
That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children.

There is a wall in Washington, DC, which has engraved in it the names of all the men and women who gave their lives in active service during the war in Vietnam. It stands as a testimonial to their courage and a black warning against ever having another war. To remember them and what they did is important. We need reminders of where we have been and what we have done. The monument should make us both proud and ashamed. It should swell our hearts wit joy that the war is at an end, and sorrow that it cost so much to attain to little. We need to know these things. God wants us to know these things, and He wants our children to know them after us. Perhaps on day we will learn enough so that such monuments are no longer necessary, and we can get on with being god’s people. Let us hope so.

Prayer: Let me remember not only the good things in life, but also the bad. The good helps me to rejoice, the bad helps me avoid making the same mistakes again. Lord, let me learn from my mistakes. Amen.