Psalm 130: 5, 6 “I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I do hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than those who watch for the morning – yes, more than those who watch for the morning.
Dear God,
Thank You for this new day, and for this special time when ‘my soul waits for You, and my hope is in and found in Your word. When I humbly give You my whole heart and attention, there is much blessing on offer. I find that without fail that You come close and reveal Yourself to me as I read, pray, meditate and give praise. I have found I cannot be truly happy, without these precious and anchoring times with you, my God, hope and stay.
In Paul’s writings (1 Corinthians 10: 1 – 4) we are reminded of the Israelites, a people who God bought out of Egyptian oppression and the ungodly environment. This was only possible by the protection of a cloud, which meant they were figuratively baptized or set apart by God. Protected in the cloud from the pursuing Egyptian army, they were able to walk past the God parted waters, for all of them ate and drank the same spiritual food and drink – Jesus Christ, the “the Rock that followed them”.
Despite these and subsequent manifestations of Your great love and power, the Israelite people in their wilderness wanderings on their way to the Promised Land, were unmoved and rebellious to the point that because of their choices, they died without hope in the wilderness, due to Your judgement upon them.
For me (we) who live generations after these events, it is of benefit to ponder these people, their self-focused attitudes and learn the lessons there are for us. Destruction for us also comes by lusting after evil things or by being taken up in the worship of anything other than Almighty God. Evil and idolatry seem so much easier to take up our time and interest these days, as we are exposed them by all media outlets, advertising and internet coverage. In the affluent nations, many can also be separated from You by the increase in wealth and possessions or the compelling urge for many to keep on increasing them. Sexual immorality was a trap for the Israelite people as it very much is for us in the Spiritual Israel of this present generation. As is the lesser recognized trap of grumbling and complaining against You, like the Israelite people in the wilderness, in spite of Gods blessings which did/do rain down daily.
Lord please remind us as Your people, that these sins are still hated by You! 1 Corinthians 10: 12, 13 “Therefore let him who thinks he stands, take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you except such is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make a way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”
I am so grateful that even when I have allowed myself to be caught up with other things that weaken my everyday commitment to seeking You with my whole heart, You do not give up on me, and never reject me when I come near and give You all my concerns, troubles and plans, in the early morning and all through the day. Then I find again, that it is a beautiful experience to be Yours and to worship You in all aspects and situations. Then my heart rejoices in fulfilment of the day, along with anticipation for the new start tomorrow, and encounter with my Lord.
Amen