The other day Psalm 95 struck me. About half way through the Psalm (verse 7b) the psalmist changes the tone from praising God to a warning about not hardening our hearts like Israel did at Meribah and Massah. It was at Meribah and Massah that Israel complained and grumbled about not having water (Exodus 17:1-7). Here in Psalm 95 the event that is mentioned is not the worship of the golden calf or failure to obey and enter the promise land at Kadesh but it is Israel’s complaining and grumbling. What is even more indicting is that Israel prayed for years for God’s deliverance from Egypt and now they are complaining about His methods of answering their prayers.
How often do we complain and grumble against the Lord? Many times, just like Israel, we complain and grumble about the very methods God is using to answer our prayers. Recently I have been complaining about a busy schedule rather than being thankful. We are so blessed by the many people and churches that support us and we have been very encouraged by our many visits. How I wish I was not so much like Israel at Meribah and Massah for complaining.
Lord praise be to you for all the mighty and wonderful things you have done. Praises to your name for the many people and churches that help support us as we minister in West Africa. Thank you for the opportunity and the means to visit so many.