Remember That?

The whole Israelite community complained against Moses and Aaron in the desert. The Israelites said to them, “Oh, how we wish that the Lord had just put us to death while we were still in the land of Egypt. There we could sit by the pots cooking meat and eat our fill of bread. Instead, you’ve brought us out into this desert to starve this whole assembly to death.”
Exodus 16:2-3 CEB (Common English Bible)

From year to year, I tend to forget just how good Genesis and Exodus are - how dramatic the stories - how simply human the great patriarchs were. I don't read them all the time but In the beginning... is where the reading plan starts in a new year and they are a great reminder.

And reminders are obviously a necessary part of living. In our Promise for Today, the Israelites were wistfully pining for Egypt, There we could sit by the pots cooking meat and eat our fill of bread. Yeah, near the same pots where you had to boil straw and mud to make bricks? Remember that?

Why is it when times get tough that we go into selective memory mode? Why do we blame God for letting it all happen? How do we forget walking across the dry sea bed with great walls of water on either side and then doubt God is looking out for us? How do you daily see the cloud by day and the fire by night and wonder where God is?

Flash forward to our most recent tribulation. Are we whining and crying, 'Why me?' or 'Where are You?' Or are we remembering that God delivered us and got us through every trial and trouble we've ever faced? Oh, we may have had some consequences, but remember that we're still here with another chance, another day to fulfill His purpose and plan for our lives.

Through the years, I have learned that the Bible overflows with countless examples of God's immeasurable love, mercy, and grace. Yes, the Bible certainly does, but so do our own lives. Remember that?

Prayer:

Father,
            Praying Your Word, we give thanks to You, Lord, for You are good; Your love endures forever. We remember when we cried out to You in our trouble, and You delivered us from our distress. Thank You for Your unfailing love and Your wonderful deeds for mankind. You send Your Word to heal. You lift the needy out of their affliction. We pray for wisdom, Father, to be able to see Your hand in everything that touches our lives. Help us to ponder the loving deeds of You and give You glory as we remember that. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen