Remember

Verse Hebrews 3:7-11
Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: “Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, In the day of trial in the wilderness, Where your fathers tested Me, tried Me, And saw My works forty years. Therefore I was angry with that generation, And said, ‘They always go astray in their heart, And they have not known My ways.’ So I swore in My wrath, ‘They shall not enter My rest.’ ”

Devotion
Stop for a second. Listen. Can you hear it? Is the Holy Spirit speaking to you right now? Or has your heart been hardened because of trials? It’s tempting to grow bitter and distant towards God when we go through difficult and painful things in life.

The Israelites were being lead by God’s presence. It was manifested as a large cloud by day and a pillar of flame by night. He was bringing them into the land He had promised them. To a place where they could dwell in peace and prosperity. They just had to cross a desert first. It was a four day trip.

Maybe you are in that desert and it feels like it’s been forty years, not four days. It’s so easy to be discouraged and doubt God. I know personally that the best thing I can do when I’m feeling discouraged is to remember. Remember! He has provided for me! Remember! He has protected me! Remember! He has saved me and made me a new person! I also remember what my life was like before I knew Jesus…

The Israelites tested God over and over for 40 years even when He showed Himself faithful over and over in miraculous ways. When things were going well they still found things to complain about. They just could not see. Their hearts went astray. And they were ultimately punished by not being able to enter the land. Thanks to Jesus, we have the Holy Spirit to help us see! We have His redeeming blood to cover our shortcomings when we do fear, doubt and complain!

Remember, “His anger lasts only a moment. His favor lasts a lifetime. Weeping may last for the night, but there is a song of joy in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5) Hold onto hope dear heart. Know His ways by meditating on His words. Joy is coming on the other side of this dark night!

Prayer
Jesus thank you for speaking life into our hard hearts and giving us new live! We don’t want to be like the Israelites. Help us to remember everything you’ve done for us and gives thanks with a grateful heart! Lead us through the desert places with your Holy Spirit and keep us from growing bitter!

Author: Michela Brownell