May 18, 2009 I Forgot
Today’s Bible Reading: 1 Kings 3; 2 Chronicles 1; Psalm 78; 2 Thessalonians 2
Scripture Focus:
Psalm 78:40–42 (KJV) How oft did they provoke him in the wilderness, and grieve him in the desert! Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel. They remembered not his hand, nor the day when he delivered them from the enemy.
Observation:
I recall a teacher I had in grade school who forbade us to say “I forgot” because it was such a common excuse. At the time I thought it was a rather harsh thing to ask of 6 and 7 year-olds, but, as we can see from Psalm 78, even adults have a problem remembering.
When we forget what God has done for us in the past we are prone to provoke and grieve him by our lack of faith and lousy attitude. As if that wasn’t enough, we limit God to work on our behalf in the present.
Application:
When I find myself in a desert, what is my first reaction? Do I begin to recount the mighty deeds God has done for me in the past, thus building up my faith? Or do I forget what God has done for me and focus only on the present, thus provoking and grieving God by my grumbling lack of faith?
Prayer:
Abba Father, remind me by your Holy Spirit to recount your faithful deeds when I’m in a desert place.
