September 5, 2024 - Numbers‬ ‭11‬:‭4‬-‭6

“Then the foreign rabble who were traveling with the Israelites began to crave the good things of Egypt. And the people of Israel also began to complain. “Oh, for some meat!” they exclaimed. “We remember the fish we used to eat for free in Egypt. And we had all the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic we wanted. But now our appetites are gone. All we ever see is this manna!”” Numbers 11:4-6 NLT

Lord, how often do we look back and long for something from our past. The Israelites were longing for what they had while they were living in slavery and crying out for you to save them. Even as they were walking with you and seeing your miraculous provision for them each day, they were longing to go back to slavery. Lord, forgive us humans for how ungrateful and fickle we can be. Why is it that we always see the grass on the other side of the fence as greener? Teach us how to be fully where you have us, keeping our eyes focused on you. Yes, the Israelites were wandering in the desert. They were living in tents. They were eating the same thing every day. They were focusing on the negatives of this circumstance rather than the positive. They were free. They were traveling with your very presence. You were providing food and water for them, as well as shade by day and fire by night. Their clothes were not wearing out. You were leading their steps and taking them to a land of abundance that would be their own.

Lord, teach us how to find the positives in our circumstances and not focus on the negatives. Teach us how to praise you even when it is hard. When we start to look back longingly on the things that you have redeemed us from, remind us of all you have done in us. Help us to trust the promises that you have given us and trust your process to get us to those promises. Give us a heart of gratitude in all things.

In Jesus name, amen.