Belief and Gratitude
Yes, they spoke against God: They said, “Can God prepare a table in the wilderness? Behold, He struck the rock, so that the waters gushed out, and the streams overflowed. Can He give bread also? Can He provide meat for His people?” Therefore the LORD heard this and was furious; so a fire was kindled against Jacob, and anger also came up against Israel, because they did not believe in God, and did not trust in His salvation.
Psalm 78:19-22
Focus on Christ
What does it take for you to believe in God and His Ways? When you read about God’s people in the Old Testament you sometimes think they were just foolish, ridiculous, and double-minded people. How could they see God part the Red Sea and then wonder if He could provide water to drink? After the walls of Jericho fell by simply obeying God’s simple instructions, why wouldn’t they believe? Or how about when God brought plagues and provided manna, yet they still turned from Him? They simply did not trust Him for the next need. This kind of believing seems juvenile.
In this Psalm, the people said in verse 20, “Behold, He struck the rock, so that the waters gushed out, and the streams overflowed. Can He give bread also? Can He provide meat for His people?” It does not take long to forget God’s last provision. When you do forget, belief in Him seems to be shattered.
Maybe there is a direct link between gratitude and belief. When you are thankful for God’s provisions, you seem to remember and keep current in your mind that God is a God who provides. This remembrance keeps your faith strong and your believing current. If you do not stay up to date with God in your daily walk with Him, then your belief can quickly turn to unbelief.
Psalm 78:22 says, “Because they did not believe in God, and did not trust in His salvation.” God had provided food and water for His people and they still did not believe. Be careful, because unbelief can lead to what God did next to discipline His people. “The wrath of God came against them, and slew the stoutest of them, and struck down the choice men of Israel. In spite of this they still sinned, and did not believe in His wondrous works” (Psalm 78:31-32).
Christ answered all of your future needs when He provided so great a salvation to you. He provided love, abundant living, hope, peace, joy, and eternal life. What more do you need to believe Him? If you spend time with Him, you will learn of His faithfulness.
Focus on Self
When your thankfulness for God’s provision only lasts until another need arises, and then faith diminishes, self is stronger than faith. Self makes you just like the people in the Old Testament. You become shallow, foolish, and short-sighted. Trust in Christ! He will strengthen your belief. The more often you spend time with Him, your unbelief will turn to gratitude.
*Taken from Gifts from God by Kerry Skinner and Alison Veazey. Click here to order your copy.