Psalm 106: Verses 7-9 (NIV)
When our ancestors were in Egypt,
they gave no thought to your miracles;
they did not remember your many kindnesses,
and they rebelled by the sea, the Red Sea.
Yet he saved them for his name’s sake,
to make his mighty power known.
He rebuked the Red Sea, and it dried up;
he led them through the depths as through a desert.
The Israelites saw many miracles prior to their exodus from Egypt. They were spared the effects of the plagues and marched out of the land with victory and with plunder. Yet in a very short time, by the time they reached the red sea, they had forgotten all they had seen and experienced. And they did again, many times. That’s why it took them so long to reach the promised land.
Often, we cry out to God in times of trouble and experience, like the Israelites, His grace and mercy. But also like them, when the time of trial is past, we carry on without a thought of how God has brought us through. One of the earliest lessons we teach our children is to say please and thank you. Let’s not forget that lesson and give thanks to God for all our blessings and the mercy He has shown to us.
Dear Lord,
Sometimes our memory is very short-term and selective. Help me to ponder often Your goodness and loving kindness, which the Psalmist says in Psalm 23 will follow me all of the days of my life, and on everything You have done for me. Thank You. Amen.