June 18, 2025

Psalm 78:21-31  (HCSB)
21 Therefore, the Lord heard and became furious;
then fire broke out against Jacob,
and anger flared up against Israel
22 because they did not believe God
or rely on His salvation.
23 He gave a command to the clouds above
and opened the doors of heaven.
24 He rained manna for them to eat;
He gave them grain from heaven.
25 People ate the bread of angels.
He sent them an abundant supply of food.
26 He made the east wind blow in the skies
and drove the south wind by His might.
27 He rained meat on them like dust,
and winged birds like the sand of the seas.
28 He made them fall in His camp,
all around His tent.
29 They ate and were completely satisfied,
for He gave them what they craved.
30 Before they had satisfied their desire,
while the food was still in their mouths,
31 God’s anger flared up against them,
and He killed some of their best men.
He struck down Israel’s choice young men.

Charles and Kristen Pevahouse
As a mother of a 4 year old, I like to think I can sort of imagine how God must have felt when the Israelites doubted God, kept wanting more, and were ungrateful. There is nothing I love more than to do things for my son, both to meet his basic needs and also to simply make him happy.  As much as it brings me joy to provide good things for him, that joy can quickly change to frustration when it is met with complaining, wanting more, and throwing a big ol’ fit. Funny enough, often times the thing he is begging for, complaining about, or wanting more of is not in his best interest.  Because of his limited perspective, my protection and guidance in that moment looks like I am withholding something good.  At a certain point, I also have to discipline my son to help him gain some perspective.  But no matter how he sees what I am doing and how mad it makes him, I do what I do because of my fierce love for him.  How much more does God love us?