Keep Your Eyes On the One That Matters

“The warriors of Ephraim, though armed with bows, turned their backs and fled on the day of battle. They did not keep God’s covenant and refused to live by his instructions. They forgot what he had done— the great wonders he had shown them, the miracles he did for their ancestors on the plain of Zoan in the land of Egypt. For he divided the sea and led them through, making the water stand up like walls! In the daytime he led them by a cloud, and all night by a pillar of fire. He split open the rocks in the wilderness to give them water, as from a gushing spring. He made streams pour from the rock, making the waters flow down like a river! Yet they kept on sinning against him, rebelling against the Most High in the desert. They stubbornly tested God in their hearts, demanding the foods they craved. They even spoke against God himself, saying, “God can’t give us food in the wilderness. Yes, he can strike a rock so water gushes out, but he can’t give his people bread and meat.” When the Lord heard them, he was furious. The fire of his wrath burned against Jacob. Yes, his anger rose against Israel, for they did not believe God or trust him to care for them.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭78:9-22‬ ‭NLT‬‬

What an amazing passage of scripture. The psalmist recalls the Red Sea miracle, the cloud by day, the fire by night, and the water that God caused to spew from a rock. However, the hearts of God's children were hard and they complained about their circumstances. The people even went so far as to speak against the power of God. Mocking Him, they said that He was able to make water come from a rock but He couldn't provide the full course meal they craved.  This sounds a lot like us. We are spoiled Americans. We, too, have received so much from the hand of God and yet we ignore Him, falsely accuse Him, and even, at times, deny His care for us in certain situations. What we crave are the things that satisfy our physical and natural cravings. We are so accustomed to eating so well and living so high on the hog that we get grumpy and grouchy when we don't have our desires fulfilled. We want life handed to us on a silver platter by God. When He doesn't, we throw tantrums and become rebellious. In spite of the fact that we didn't get here on our own, we didn't make the sun that shines, the moon, the stars, the air we breathe, the rivers, streams, oceans, and all the life that lives on this terrestrial ball, we somehow think we are due so much more. We are depraved creatures! We, so easily, stray from the God who provides everything we have and need. Today, let's take the time to thank God for everything He has done for us. He has saved us (the born again believer) from eternal damnation in hell. He has already, in advance, made provisions for us and we must learn to trust Him. Like the children of Israel, we are sojourning in this pilgrim land. Rather than demand our selfish way, let's humbly bow in thanksgiving to our Gracious Provider! He can, and will, take care of everything we need to successfully make the journey through the wilderness of this fallen world. Remember, we aren't home yet. One day, we will be home, in the place where our spirit longs to be. There, we will sit at the table in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ. All of our hopes and ambitions will be fully known in His presence.  “You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭16:11‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Child of God, don't look at the meaningless things that this world allures you with. Keep your eyes on the One that matters. Only He has the best for you. All of the other things are but passing dust in the wind. Let your soul be satisfied only in the Lord Jesus Christ!!