Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 78:17-24
Ps 78:17-24
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. 23 Yet he gave a command to the skies above and opened the doors of the heavens; 24 he rained down manna for the people to eat, he gave them the grain of heaven.
James 1:13-15
13 When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
The manna was bland and they were tired of eating quail so they complained that they did not have the fish from Egypt or the onions and garlic. God said he would feed them but never promised a gourmet meal each day or even a variety in the menu when they wanted something different. They never had iced tea to drink but there was always plenty of water for them and for their animals.
In our lives today, God has promised to take care of us and to protect us from the evil one but he has not promised us that we will never have problems. We will have food to eat and clothes to wear but it may not be as fine as our neighbor or even what we remember we once had. He never said we would not get sick or that we would never have emotional issues or relationship problems. But he has promised he will be with us and strengthen us when we put our trust in him.
Sure, we all get down and out at times and some are more prone to depression than others of us, but we can trust God and he will help. When these days come, we need to focus on someone else who is hurting or sick or who is down, and help them and make their day better which will make ours better too.
O Lord, help me know that no matter how bad my day may seem, it could be worse and there are others who are having worse problems than mine. Never let me forget that death is not the worst that can happen to me but that Jesus has removed the sting of death by his resurrection. Thank you for my health and help me us it to your glory. Thank you for all you have given to me and keep me from being selfish with it. Give grace to those who are hurting. In Jesus name.
Robert
