Psalm 78:17-32
17 Yet they sinned still more against him, rebelling against the Most High in the desert. 18 They tested God in their heart by demanding the food they craved. 19 They spoke against God, saying, "Can God spread a table in the wilderness? 20 He struck the rock so that water gushed out and streams overflowed. Can he also give bread or provide meat for his people?" 21 Therefore, when the Lord heard, he was full of wrath; a fire was kindled against Jacob; his anger rose against Israel, 22 because they did not believe in God and did not trust his saving power. 23 Yet he commanded the skies above and opened the doors of heaven, 24 and he rained down on them manna to eat and gave them the grain of heaven. 25 Man ate of the bread of the angels; he sent them food in abundance. 26 He caused the east wind to blow in the heavens, and by his power he led out the south wind; 27 he rained meat on them like dust, winged birds like the sand of the seas; 28 he let them fall in the midst of their camp, all around their dwellings. 29 And they ate and were well filled, for he gave them what they craved. 30 But before they had satisfied their craving, while the food was still in their mouths, 31 the anger of God rose against them, and he killed the strongest of them and laid low the young men of Israel. 32 In spite of all this, they still sinned; despite his wonders, they did not believe.
This psalm recounts the history of the Israelites, how God continually blessed them, yet they continually turned away from God (verses 8, 17, 32, 40, 56). This is a sad history, yet one which we are all too familiar with on a personal level. In spite of all God has done for each of us, we too have kept on sinning; in spite of God's wonders, we too have not believed (verse 32). Like the Israelites who demanded meat though they didn't really need it (verses 18-20), we too have demanded pleasures and comforts that were not God's plans for us. When we are not satisfied with what God has given us, we are really saying that we don't believe and trust in God (verse 22). As a result, we try to satisfy ourselves, ignoring God in the process. Thankfully, God is merciful to us (verses 23-24) despite our sin.
God, I confess to repeatedly sinning and not believing You. Help me to believe and obey.
17 Yet they sinned still more against him, rebelling against the Most High in the desert. 18 They tested God in their heart by demanding the food they craved. 19 They spoke against God, saying, "Can God spread a table in the wilderness? 20 He struck the rock so that water gushed out and streams overflowed. Can he also give bread or provide meat for his people?" 21 Therefore, when the Lord heard, he was full of wrath; a fire was kindled against Jacob; his anger rose against Israel, 22 because they did not believe in God and did not trust his saving power. 23 Yet he commanded the skies above and opened the doors of heaven, 24 and he rained down on them manna to eat and gave them the grain of heaven. 25 Man ate of the bread of the angels; he sent them food in abundance. 26 He caused the east wind to blow in the heavens, and by his power he led out the south wind; 27 he rained meat on them like dust, winged birds like the sand of the seas; 28 he let them fall in the midst of their camp, all around their dwellings. 29 And they ate and were well filled, for he gave them what they craved. 30 But before they had satisfied their craving, while the food was still in their mouths, 31 the anger of God rose against them, and he killed the strongest of them and laid low the young men of Israel. 32 In spite of all this, they still sinned; despite his wonders, they did not believe.
This psalm recounts the history of the Israelites, how God continually blessed them, yet they continually turned away from God (verses 8, 17, 32, 40, 56). This is a sad history, yet one which we are all too familiar with on a personal level. In spite of all God has done for each of us, we too have kept on sinning; in spite of God's wonders, we too have not believed (verse 32). Like the Israelites who demanded meat though they didn't really need it (verses 18-20), we too have demanded pleasures and comforts that were not God's plans for us. When we are not satisfied with what God has given us, we are really saying that we don't believe and trust in God (verse 22). As a result, we try to satisfy ourselves, ignoring God in the process. Thankfully, God is merciful to us (verses 23-24) despite our sin.
God, I confess to repeatedly sinning and not believing You. Help me to believe and obey.