June 17, 2025

Psalm 78:9-20  (HCSB)
9 The Ephraimite archers turned back
on the day of battle.
10 They did not keep God’s covenant
and refused to live by His law.
11 They forgot what He had done,
the wonderful works He had shown them.
12 He worked wonders in the sight of their fathers
in the land of Egypt, the region of Zoan.
13 He split the sea and brought them across;
the water stood firm like a wall.
14 He led them with a cloud by day
and with a fiery light throughout the night.
15 He split rocks in the wilderness
and gave them drink as abundant as the depths.
16 He brought streams out of the stone
and made water flow down like rivers.
17 But they continued to sin against Him,
rebelling in the desert against the Most High.
18 They deliberately tested God,
demanding the food they craved.
19 They spoke against God, saying,
“Is God able to provide food in the wilderness?
20 Look! He struck the rock and water gushed out;
torrents overflowed.
But can He also provide bread
or furnish meat for His people?”

Charles and Kristen Pevahouse
How easily they forgot.  The Ephraimites, although armed for battle, turned back in fear.  We read in this passage of Israel’s forgetfulness of God’s faithfulness, despite all the things He had already done--parting the Red Sea, leading them by cloud and fire and providing water from the rock.  Yet they still doubted and questioned that God would come through for them.  I can certainly relate to this forgetfulness of God’s faithfulness.  In the face of trials it is so easy to sink into a place of doubting and questioning if God will remain faithful.  We have probably all been there and struggle with this from time to time.  So, how do we keep from forgetting? This reminds us that our faith is not just for us--it is meant to be shared.  If we do not tell our stories about God’s faithfulness we are vulnerable to losing sight of it.