Time is marching on. It has a way of doing that. The people are on the move again. God is directing them from the Sin Desert as they move from “place to place.” Be sure to take note of the footnotes, it’s called Sin Desert but not because of the English word “sin.” I have no idea how many days this involves before we get to the “eventually” that puts them in the location for today’s reading, in Rephidim.
Our last reading was focused on food, and today the people are thirsty. It says they were “tormented” by thirst. Have you ever been parched? Dehydration is certainly a condition that is very hard on the body. The people were complaining to Moses. Moses even felt his life was threatened, and he cried out to the Lord!
“What should I do with these people?” Moses asked God. Have you ever been in charge of an unruly lot of folks? Maybe even your own children? I’m sure you can relate to Moses and his frustration. Handling objections in business can be a similar experience. People will find excuses, drag their feet, limit their success. It can be frustrating for the leader (parent) when having to handle such people. But turning to God is always the right answer.
Do we ever test God? Do we ever question his ways or his faithfulness? Think on that for a while. Are we any different than these Israelites?
If we turn to prayer when we see trouble brewing, it will still our hearts. We can reduce the stress we experience by turning over our concerns to God. We might not get an immediate response, but we will see our prayers answered. By simply giving it to God, or laying it down at the feet of Jesus, we can also give away the stress, the anxious feelings. Try that next time you are feeling ready to complain about something. Simply pray.
Let’s pray. Lord, I will never be thirsty again with you in my life giving me your living water. Help me to nip my frustrations in the bud and turn to you instead. Grant me clarity so that when those times come I know without a doubt what to do. Like a reflex. May my eyes be so focused on you and your love for me that I, like Moses, know where my help comes from. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
