In our story of Moses, the Hebrews had been rescued from slavery by the Lord. They had seen the 10 plagues come upon Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea and the destruction of the Egyptian army that pursued them. Instead of being thankful to the Lord, they began to complain about one thing after another. Their focus was on themselves, so they failed to look up and see that God was with them.
Then the whole community of Israel set out from Elim and journeyed into the wilderness of Sin, between Elim and Mount Sinai. They arrived there on the fifteenth day of the second month, one month after leaving the land of Egypt. 2 There, too, the whole community of Israel complained about Moses and Aaron. [1] Exodus 16:1-2
Being thankful changes the way we see God, others and ourselves. That is an amazing statement, but it is true.
Take a few minutes to think of all the things you are thankful for. How has the Lord provided for you? How did the Lord make Himself known to you? How has being a person of faith changed you? How have other people blessed you along your journey of life? Who were or are important people that made a difference in your life? As you do this how does this change the way you see God, others and yourself? How can you be a blessing to others?
When we spend time giving thanks to the Lord, the glass that was half empty now is half full. When we contemplate all God is doing in our life and what He has for us in the future we will be encouraged. The Apostle Paul writes in 2 Cor. 2:9 – That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” [2]
How would the journey of the Hebrews been different if they would have looked up and focused on being thankful? How would your journey and my journey be different if we did the same?
Our ministry loves to connect with our readers. If you have a prayer request or a comment, please let us know. Also, if this devotional helped you, please share it with others. To hear more about the journey of the Hebrew people, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/series/the-footsteps-of-moses/testing-then-and-now
[1,2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.