MEDITATIONS FROM THE PSALMS

 

August 17, 2005

Reading: Psalm 78:17-20

 

“Can God prepare a table in the wilderness?” Psalm 78:19

 

My soul, take a moment to consider this question for it is one that every child of God asks sooner or later in their walk with God. You are living in the promised land of Canaan—the land of plenty, the land of much fruit, milk and honey, the land where the blessings of God are poured out in abundance. Yet, there are occasions when it seems as if you have returned to the desert where storms deposit sand in your mouth and eyes causing your food to become inedible and your vision blurred. You remember the banquets God prepared for you where every need was met, but now, what about now? Can God prepare a table in the wilderness?

You know the answer to your question—of course He can! He can provide fresh water from Him who is the Fountain of life sustaining water. Your bread is readily available from Him who is the Bread of Life, and He is “like an apple tree among the trees of the woods.”

But, you ask, all this in the desert? Yes, and more! “He brought me to the banqueting house, and His banner over me was love. Sustain me with cakes of raisins, refresh me with apples.” He does not withhold His love and heavenly provisions just because you are in the wilderness. This is when you need Him the most. His promise is as true now as it has ever been—

 

“But from there you will seek the LORD your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul. When you are in distress, and all these things come upon you in the latter days, when you turn to the LORD your God and obey His voice (for the LORD your God is a merciful God), He will not forsake you nor destroy you, nor forget the covenant of your fathers which He swore to them” Deut 4:29-31.

 

The problem is not that God’s provisions have been withheld, but that you allow the circumstances to cloud the issue—you do not seek Him when sand is in your eyes! Whatever circumstance you are in, if you turn to the Lord your God and obey His voice, you will find Him. Your situation may change, but remember, He does not! When all else fails, He will not forsake you, neither will He forget His promises.

It is not always easy to turn to the Lord in the wilderness, for we are quick to blame and challenge Him. Whenever you seek Him, He promises you will find Him, and when you find Him you will discover His provisions are readily available.

 

“Behold, He struck the rock, so that the waters gushed out, and the streams overflowed. Can He give bread also? Can He provide meat for His people” Psalm 78:20.

 

You know the answer.

 

Wandering in the desert like sheep without a fold

The seed of Jacob murmured, we’re hungry, thirsty, cold.

Then God in His grace and mercy provided food untold.

If you will obey my voice, you in my hand I shall hold.

 

 

There are times in our life we’re tempted to wander,

The devil’s at work, our assurance to squander.

Then the Spirit of God stands up, His voice is as thunder,

If you will hear my voice, I shall break his power asunder.

 

If you will confess your sin, then I shall forgive.

If you will walk in my ways, my blessings I shall give.

If you will call on my name, I will hear your voice,

And give you my joy when you make that wise choice.

DTP