Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah in the desert, where your fathers tested and tried me, though they had seen what I did. Psalm 95:7b-8
A friend recently described all human beings as goobers. I think I have to agree.
Sometimes, we are so stupid. God has given us so much. He proves Himself time and time again, but so often when we hear His voice, we harden our hearts.
God had shown Himself to the Israelites in the desert. He literally opened the Red Sea to save them. He sent manna from heaven to feed them. He was the daytime cloud and the nighttime fire that led them. Yet when the people grew thirsty, they abandoned their trust of Him. They longed to return to Egypt - a place of bondage and slavery.
The Israelites were goobers.
We are still goobers.
How often do we discount the work God has done in us? How many times do we abandon Him? How many times do we harden our hearts to His voice?
I am learning this trust thing is tough. Every day I am faced with the challenge of believing His will is best for me. But I try to remember, slavery on the most fertile plain without God is no match for freedom in the desert with Him. I may grow weary in the desert, but returning isn't an option. Seeking life away from God always leads to death.
Can a recovering alcoholic return to his drunkenness without causing harm? Can a recovering drug addict return to a chemical fix without the threat of death? Can a recovering sex addict return to the worship of images and compulsions without eventually destroying himself?
Returning to slavery isn't an option.
Lord, help me to trust You when I am weary. This Christian walk can be tiring, but I know You provide a place to rest - a place of refreshment and life. Help me to find that place today. Help me to not harden my heart to Your voice.
Help me to not be a goober.