6 We have sinned with our fathers, we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly. 7 Our
fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt; they remembered not the
multitude of thy mercies; but provoked him at the sea, even at the Red
sea. 8 Nevertheless he saved them for his name's sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known. 9 He rebuked the Red sea also, and it was dried up: so he led them through the depths, as through the wilderness. 10 And he saved them from the hand of him that hated them, and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy. 11 And the waters covered their enemies: there was not one of them left. 12 Then believed they his words; they sang his praise. Psalms 106:6-12 KJV
When there is a clear, safe path in front of me, I trust the Lord and
sing his praise. When my back is against the wall, my enemies are
gaining ground and it looks like there is no way ahead, I easily slip
into doubt, fear, and murmuring against the Lord.
The writer of Psalm 106
has faced the Babylonian Captivity, one of Israel’s most devastating
calamities. He realizes the soon the Lord will allow his people to
return from Babylon, and he wants to be sure that he doesn’t miss the
celebration. So he reminds himself and his readers about the lessons
they should have learned from Israel’s past. He begins with the most
powerful deliverance in the Old Testament –the Exodus and the dry path
through the Sea. We can read the story in Exodus 12-15.
After the Passover and their expulsion from Egypt, God didn’t allow His
people to take the direct route along the coast to Canaan. Instead He
made them turn right out into the desert, led them to the water’s edge,
and then stiffened Pharaoh’s heart so that he harnessed his chariots and
pursued his former slaves. He believed they were trapped. He would
quickly gather them up and bring them back to Egypt in chains. The irony
of the story is that the Israelites agreed with him. Terrified, they
let Moses have it, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that
you brought us to the desert to die?” (Exodus 14:11) The Psalmist reminds us of this act of rebellion in Psalm 106:7.
“When our fathers were in Egypt, they did not consider your powerful
acts (the plagues that set them free). They did not remember your
faithful love. Instead they contentiously rebelled against you by the
sea, the Red Sea.”
The Lord didn’t answer their request to return to Egypt. Instead His
mighty wind parted the waters, dried up the moisture, and from 2:00-6:00
AM allowed his people to escape to safety. Then he drowned those who
hated them under tons of water. The Israelites then believed him and
danced his praise.
Lord, when I’m standing
safe on the other side, it’s easy to trust and praise. It’s much tougher
when I can’t see the way ahead. As I begin this week, help me not to
doubt, fear, and rebel. Help me to believe and confidently anticipate
the paths you will open up.
For more from Dave Wyrtzen please visit TruthEncounter.com!
Today's Bible Verse...
He leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.—Psalm 23:2-3
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
When
we are exhausted, depleted, and on the edge of burn out, we need to
have our souls restored! But who can restore our souls? Only the One who
will lead us beside still waters! The Lord is our Shepherd. He alone
can fully bring the nourishment and replenishment that we need. Yet why
do we sometimes find it so hard to set aside time to be with him? Could
it be that we keep our lives so busy that we miss out on the one thing
that matters most?
My Prayer...
As you have shown me time and time again, dear Father, I
know that being with you restores me in a place within my heart that no
one else can reach. Forgive me for seeking nourishment and refreshment
from places that are unholy and unhelpful. Reinvigorate me with your
presence and power so that I can serve you more victoriously. In Jesus'
name I pray. Amen.
The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.
Today's Verse Illustrated...
Aerobics in the Office by Mary Chambers
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