Wilderness 101: never forget

In Deuteronomy 8, Moses reminds Israel of all the amazing things God has done for them, and how he has always looked after them. Now, walking through a sea should be memorable enough on its own. Apparently not. In another wilderness miracle, God made a rock split open and enough water spring up to quench the thirst of a nation. And yet, Israel forgot, and went back to moaning.

But, before we point a finger at the Israelites and judge them for their short memory and general unfaithfulness, we reckon we're not much different. We may have been going through a tough time and prayed so much about it, and then seen God come through in a way we think we'd never forget. But then later we find ourselves thinking: 'I'll get around to spending time with God soon', or 'I wish I hadn't missed going to church all month', etc. It's all too easy to slip back into forgetfulness.

God wants us to learn from these wilderness times: no matter how hopeless we feel, relying on him is the only way forward. But, he wants us to be intimate with him even in times of abundance and peace. It's almost as if relationship with him is more important to him than any trouble we face... hmmm, that's exactly what he wants us to never forget.



So what now? Today, each time you get a drink of water, thank God for another thing he's done for you. Never forget his love, goodness and kindness.





— SCRIPTURE —

'He brought you water out of hard rock.' Deuteronomy 8:15 NIV
— SOULFOOD —

Gal 5:22-23, 1 Cor 10:13, 2 Tim 1:7, Jam 1:19-20