"They even spoke against God himself, saying, 'God can’t give us food in the wilderness.'" - Psalm 78:19
In Psalms chapter seventy-eight, we read about the lessons that our ancestors faced in history. Asaph tells us of Israel's history from their time in Egyptian slavery to the time of King David. This recanting of the story was repeated from generation to generation so that the next generation of children would not forget what God had done for them and to warn them not to make the same mistakes that their fathers had made.
There are seventy-two verses in this chapter, and we will focus on verse nineteen, but we will first read and review the whole chapter.
God declared that the stories of His great deeds throughout Israel's history and His laws would be passed down from parents to children. This demonstrates the significance of religious education and its goal: to teach future generations to obey God and place their hope and faith in Him. Preventing children from making the same mistakes as their ancestors is crucial. But look at what our society has become. What are we doing to teach the next generation about God's work in the history of humanity?
In verses one through eight, the writer states that he will speak a parable of the stories told by the fathers before them, and they were instructed not to hide them from the children. They were to tell the children of the Lord's strength and the wonderful work that He had done, how God had established a nation to be His children. Unfortunately, the children of Israel dissented and declined to give God their hearts (Psalm 78:8).
Verses nine – to ten tell of the tribe of Ephraim, where the Tabernacle was placed in its land, yet who had turned from battle, which is probably a figure of speech for their lack of leadership. They had refused to keep His covenant and obey His law (Psalm 78:10).
God chose Jerusalem in Judah as the site for the new Temple and rejected Ephraim (Psalm 78:9, 67) because of David's faith and obedience. This resulted in conflict between the two tribes. The stress between the two tribes may be what inspired the writing of this psalm to reiterate why God chose Judah. Those most devoted to Him are often the ones through whom God chooses to work.
They had forgotten the wonders and works He had shown them (Psalm 78:11-12), and they constantly complained (Psalm 78:18).
Any promises that the Israelites made were empty (Psalm 78:36-37). The children of Israel repeatedly stated that they would follow God but would later depart from Him. The issue was that they did not follow God with their hearts but with mere words. As a result, their repentance was in vain. Their talk was cheap and had no value. Our lives should support any spiritual claims and promises that we make. That is what God wants from us. They had become ungrateful and forgotten how He had delivered them (Psalm 78:42).
With adoring consideration and ability, David the shepherd boy tended to the flocks in his charge. With proficiency and a genuinely compassionate heart, David cared for Israel's people in a manner comparable to that of the king. Integrity and skill are fundamental requirements for effective leadership, and those who lack expertise are ineffective. People who lack moral character can easily lead people astray or become corrupt. Integrity should not be overlooked as we work to improve our skills.
This psalm refers to David as a shepherd rather than a king, although he was the king then. In biblical times, shepherding was a common occupation that required a great deal of responsibility. The shepherds were the sole source of direction, food, and protection for the flocks. David had been a shepherd early in his life (1 Samuel 16:10-11). This served as preparation for the future responsibilities that God had in store for him. God had moved him from caring for and tending sheep to caring for Israel when he was ready. We should not take our current circumstances lightly or recklessly; it may serve as a classroom from God for our future.
Now that we have done a quick run-through of the chapter let us return to verse nineteen.
What do you think the people meant by this question, "Can God furnish a table in the wilderness?" Well, we have learned that the children of Israel had been complaining about having manna to eat continually (Numbers 11:4-6). It is as if they were not appreciative or thankful for what they did have. They were busy complaining about what they did not have. They could not be grateful for what God had provided for them. They were not content with what God was doing for them. They let pride and selfishness fill their hearts. How many of us have been like that? God has been providing for us in one way or another for many years, and all we can still think of is what we do not have or what we think we may be missing out on.
We can look at what the Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 4:10-14.
Are we content in any circumstance we encounter? It appears not if we are continually complaining about something. Paul was able to be content regardless of how much or how little he had (1 Timothy 6:6). The secret was using the power of Christ as a source of strength. Are we dissatisfied because we do not have what we want, or do we have significant requirements? To be content, we must learn to rely on God's promises and Christ's power. If we are always looking for more, we should pray to God that we lose that desire and learn to be content in all circumstances. He will meet our needs, but only in the way He thinks is best for us.
Because he could see life through God's eyes, Paul was content. Instead of focusing on what he thought he should have done, he focused on what he was supposed to do. He was clear about his priorities and was thankful for everything God had given him. So that he could concentrate on the eternal, he separated himself from the non-essentials. A common cause of one's desire for more or better possessions is a longing to fill a void or an empty space in one's life. When we feel empty inside, what draws us? How might we find true, lasting contentment? Our perspective, our priorities, and our source of power all contribute to the solution and the answer. It is in Christ (John 15:5; 2 Corinthians 12:9).
So, where are we now in our walk with the Lord? Are we busy complaining about things that we have no control over? Do you feel that you could do more for the Lord, but it seems like a door has been shut before you? Is there discontent in your heart because of what you think is wrong or missing? Have you spoken to the Lord in prayer, asking Him to give you guidance and peace?
Take time in solitude to pray with the Lord. Give Him thanks for what He has done in your life, for what He is currently doing, and for what He will do. Do not forget to thank Him for what He will do. Learn to listen to His voice and live it with Him.
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