March 10, 2011

"His Steadfast Love Endures Forever"

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever...to Him who alone does great wonders, for His steadfast love endures forever...to Him who led His people through the wilderness, for His steadfast love endures forever..." Psalm 136:1, 4, 16

Isn't it amazing that even when God led his people through the wilderness it says "His love endures forever".  I think that if I was led through the wilderness I would start to wonder whether God loved me or not.  It would seem like He didn't love me too much to have me wandering through the wilderness for 40 years suffering from illness and not having a set home and eating the same thing day in and day out.  I'm sure the Israelites thought many times "If God loves me then why are we still out here!?"  They grumbled and complained and could not see God's love in it, instead of being able to be thankful for the things that they did have.

God was with His people the entire time, leading them every step of the way. "The LORD was going before them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them on the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night."  Exodus 13:21

He provided them with food when they were out in the wilderness and there was none to be found. "Then the LORD said to Moses, 'I will rain down bread from heaven for you.'" Exodus 16:4

And if they had had no other reason to give thanks they should merely have given because God is worthy, "For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise..." 1 Chronicles 16:25

The Children of Israel did not keep these things in mind and therefore it caused them great suffering in all aspects of their life. They were not joyful in the Lord and did not remember His love for them even when they were stubborn and grumbling.  Let us learn from the Israelites that even when things seem to be going badly and we cannot see the Lord's loving hand in it, He is still our loving Father.  He is there before, after, and during the all trials that we go through and He is worthy of love and devotion.  Let us give thanks to our Lord, for His steadfast love endures forever!