We remember his provision and learn to trust him with our needs
By Dean Collins
He brought…
He spread…
He brought…
And gave…
He opened…
He remembered…
He brought…
He gave…
The ongoing fantasy we perpetuate during Christmas says it is jolly St. Nick who brings presents, spreads them under a tree, and then fills stockings. We sing that he knows and remembers each child’s good and bad behavior and determines what he brings based on the child’s track record the previous year. But the actions listed above have nothing to do with Santa Claus. These are the actions the psalmist declared that God did for the children of Israel at their departure from Egypt and through the wilderness.
Great generosity
Psalm 105 served to remind future generations of God’s goodness to the Israelites who had lived in bondage for so long. This passage is a brief summary of God’s provision to his children in their time of great need. The verses show his great generosity.
Psalm 105 opens with the psalmist’s grateful outburst that reminds us of the great rescue from Egypt through the wilderness and into the Promised Land. But this passage can also remind us that God is still a God who brings his children out of every bondage and through every wilderness. He never stops loving, delivering, protecting, and providing! He is faithful in keeping his promises in every generation.
When he brought the Israelites out of Egypt they came with silver and gold. In God’s great plan, he made sure that his suffering children did not leave empty-handed after 400 years of slavery. They would need materials for a tabernacle they could not yet envision. God knew the future the Israelites could not yet imagine. If we pay attention to Scripture we can see how seemingly insignificant details in Scripture are used by God to bless and to provide for future needs.
Constant presence
As the Israelites left Egypt, God spread a cloud for a covering and fire to give light by night. There was a constant reminder of God’s presence. Today God gives us the Holy Spirit as a constant reminder and helper that he is always present with us. Both in ancient times and in the present time, God makes his presence known and available to those who both trust and obey his promises.
Even as the Israelites were stubborn and sometimes ungrateful, even as they defaulted to trusting men and idols over trusting God’s plans, God continued to provide daily food and water all through their journey to the Promised Land.
Psalm 105 is a great reminder to remember the mighty works of God through history so we can trust him now in our current situations.
Father, we confess that we often get lost in our struggles and look around at our problems instead of looking up to you. Your Word tells us to trust in you with all our hearts and not to lean on our own understanding. Today we choose to acknowledge you as almighty God, creator of the universe, shepherd of our souls, redeemer and giver of life, and King of kings. Forgive us for the times we have looked to other places for help and rescue when it is you, and only you, who can and will save us in our time of need. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Your time with God’s Word
Psalm 105 ESV
Photo by kevron2001 at istockphoto.com
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