Psalm 78:11-22 - August 8, 2009

Ps 78:11-22 "They forgot what he had done, the wonders he had shown them. 12 He did miracles in the sight of their fathers in the land of Egypt, in the region of Zoan. 13 He divided the sea and led them through; he made the water stand firm like a wall. 14 He guided them with the cloud by day and with light from the fire all night. 15 He split the rocks in the desert and gave them water as abundant as the seas; 16 he brought streams out of a rocky crag and made water flow down like rivers. 17 But they continued to sin against him, rebelling in the desert against the Most High. 18 They willfully put God to the test by demanding the food they craved. 19 They spoke against God, saying, "Can God spread a table in the desert? 20 When he struck the rock, water gushed out, and streams flowed abundantly. But can he also give us food? Can he supply meat for his people?" 21 When the LORD heard them, he was very angry; his fire broke out against Jacob, and his wrath rose against Israel, 22 for they did not believe in God or trust in his deliverance." NIV

Have you ever been in a desert season? Have you ever felt as if you were in a wilderness and did not know where your future was going to lead or the outcome of the trial that you were going through? Did those feelings ever leave you doubting or questioning God? You are not alone. Throughout the pages of scripture there were many people who faced dark times and dangerous circumstances. There were many who felt the pressures of uncertainty and an unpredictable future. It is during times like these that we must lean upon the word!
In times of trial it is our faith that keeps us strong and our hearts right. It is our confidence in God that carries us through every storm and every valley. Because this is true it is our responsibility to look to the source of faith to keep our hearts alive in the desert. Just like the Lord pouring out waters from the rock to refresh a weary and wondering people, our Father has provided living water for us to drink in our desert season through the pages of the scriptures. The word of God is filled with the testimony of God’s works throughout human history to remind us of what He can do and will do on behalf of those who look to Him.
Romans 10:17 says that “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.” The children of Israel offended the Lord because when they were in the wilderness they forgot what the Lord had done. Even though He had shown himself faithful over the years of their hard season the people of God had lost sight of this and began to complain and fear. It is in the dry times that we are called to remember, not to forget. We must actively stir up the remembrance of what God has done by keeping our hearts in front of the word of God. Like sitting before a fire on a cold and rainy evening keeps us warm, even so as we place our hearts in front of the word of God its eternal glow warns us and keeps our hearts from growing cold.
In your dark times let the word of God strengthen you in both faith and hope. Meditate on the things that God has done in the pages of scripture and remind yourself of the good things that he has done in your personal history with Him. Remember that He is the same yesterday, today and forever, and that His character is sure and trustworthy. The Lord has encouraged us in Heb 13:5 "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." With this truth as the foundation of your faith and hope be strong in the Lord and stand confidently in the face of your trials. Hide the promises and testimony of God in your heart and do not waver as you face the desert in front of you knowing that you are not alone and that the all sufficient God is by your side!