THE DESERT EXPERIENCE

We’ve all been there. We feel dried up and unappreciated. We fall for the negative thinking that plagues us when we are not at “maximum comfort”. We are thirsty for the blessings of God, or at least a word from Him, Who we think has abandoned us. Has HE left? Or have we fallen for self. Again. And left Him?

After about a month, and only a month of what would be forty years on this trek through the desert, the people turn on Moses and Aaron and “the whole community of Israel spoke bitterly” against them. Ugh. This still happens, wearing some leaders out. But the good ones go straight to God, they don’t wear out! They shed the criticism and go to the Source of what’s next and follow HIS leading.

God’s people cry out…

“‘Oh, that we were back in Egypt,’ they moaned. ‘It would have been better if the LORD had killed us there! At least there we had plenty to eat. But now you have brought us into this desert to starve us to death.’ Exodus 16, NLT

As you and I read this we wonder why God didn’t just let the whiners starve. Of course, we don’t whine like that, do we? We don’t cry out, LORD this work is too hard, why did you take me from where I was successful and put me where I am not…and force me to depend on YOU! Oops, did we just answer our own question, LORD? Ahh…

“Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Look, I’m going to rain down food from heaven for you. The people can go out each day and pick up as much food as they need for that day. I will test them in this to see whether they will follow my instructions.'” Exodus 16, NLT

Ah, DAILY manna. We need that, too! The Manna, the Bread of Life, comes in daily doses for us for THIS day’s purpose and for His Glory! Lord, give us THIS day, our daily Bread…as Jesus taught us to pray.

I love how Moses explained the process with these words…”In the evening you will realize that it was the LORD who brought you out of the land of Egypt. In the morning you will see the glorious presence of the LORD.” Exodus 16, NLT Meditate on this “manna” all day long. Evening – Gratitude for what God has done. Morning – Realize His Presence with you! WOW!

Dear Heavenly Father, Your daily Manna of Your Word is so vital to our spiritual health, so important to realize what Your Presence means to us, and to give You praise all day long. THANK YOU! Just thank you.
In Jesus Name, Amen