5/23/08 "The Trials From Going Astray"

[D.Lang]

S Psalm 95:10-11 10 For forty years I was angry with that
generation; I said, "They are a people whose hearts go astray, and
they have not known my ways." 11 So I declared on oath in my anger,
"They shall never enter my rest."


O As David writes this passage in his psalms, he suddenly begins to
prophesy something straight from God’s heart. David was praising the
Lord, and shouting out His name; exalting Him…then suddenly God
reminds him of the acts of deceit and betrayal He saw from these same
line of chosen people while in the desert for those 40 years, and how
angry it turned Him. God’s words were perfectly explained though...
they “went astray”, and He did not feel merciful with them any longer
for their strayed hearts. That entire generation even though free from
Pharaoh, were still in their own captivity because of their poor
choices, and they missed out on the rest and reward that God had for
them. They did not "know His ways", and that generation suffered the
consequences of turning their backs on Him.


A How easy is it for us to idolize things in this day and age? In a
sense people turn their backs on God almost everyday, even Christians
many times, and not even knowing it. This passage is a great reminder
to know God’s provisions He holds for us every single day, and that He
desires our hearts to be for Him alone. His ways are sovereign and
fruitful for us when we live for Him, but they become fruitless and
empty when we go our own way. It sometimes may feel like “we” have
things under control, but it’s because “He” is always upholding
us...it’s never about us, or from our own doing. He is our provider
for everything we do, He should get all the glory! I desire to live
with the rest He gives me, knowing my Father’s ways.


P Lord, May I never make the choice to stray from my Your graces!
Thank You for always providing for me and my family. Thank You for the
rest You bring from trusting and knowing who You are! I worship and
honor You!
Amen