Be careful what you ask for ∙∙

Be careful what you ask for ∙∙

So he gave them what they asked for, but sent leanness into their soul. – Psalms 106:15

Psalms 78:23-25

 23 But he commanded the skies to open; he opened the doors of heaven.

 24 He rained down manna for them to eat; he gave them bread from heaven.

 25 They ate the food of angels! God gave them all they could hold.

It seems that no matter how much we have, it is never enough. We might think this results from the overabundance of “things” in the highly materialistic, productive 20th and 21st centuries. However, “wanting more” seems to be part of our human DNA.

Beginning in the Garden of Eden, an impeccable, pollution-free, idyllic, temperature-controlled, perfectly designed environment, the cornucopia of things provided by the Father was just not enough. Even though every need was satisfied, Adam and Eve still wanted more. The adversary recognized this vulnerability and devised a cunning temptation that led to their downfall. They succumbed.

Indeed, it is understandable that some may believe the temptation and the tempter were overwhelming, making resistance impossible. But that is not the case. Regardless of how strong the temptation may be, there is always another way. The onus is on each of us to seek that way out, muster the strength to resist, and ultimately break free from its grasp.

1 Corinthians 10:13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

What other layered, unseen risks are at stake in giving into temptation? Foremost among them was jeopardizing one’s relationship with the Father, the living God.

Regrettably, when we disregard the consequences, we often trade something precious for instant or short-term pleasure or gratification.

Psalms 78 recounts the story of the children of Israel’s lack of gratitude and discontentment with the miraculous provision of the Father. With limited food and water and such vast numbers of people, the children of Israel faced extreme scarcity in the wilderness. In a remarkable and supernatural act, the Father made accessible a miraculous provision: manna from heaven. This organic health food was sent directly from the Father’s hand to sustain them.

Psalms 78:23-25

 23 He commanded the skies to open; he opened the doors of heaven.

 24 He rained down manna for them to eat; he gave them bread from heaven.

 25 They ate the food of angels! God gave them all they could hold.

What could possibly be wrong with manna? In a word, it’s sameness. It was predictable and boring! Manna, manna, manna, day after day manna! Roasted manna, boiled manna, sunbaked manna, fried manna, barbecued manna, no matter what you do with it, it’s always just manna.

Numbers 11:18 Oh, for some meat! We were better off in Egypt!

This one sentence overflows with layered ingratitude, defiance, and rebellion. They remembered and longed for the “good old days.” The “good old days???” Did they forget that they had been slaves in Egypt for over 400 years? They craved and lusted after what they did not have. They were impatient and unwilling to wait for His provision in His time. Were they afraid that the Father would be unable to provide for them? Had they forgotten the magnificent miracles the Father performed on their behalf to free them?

Psalms 78:18-19

 18 They stubbornly tested God in their hearts, demanding the foods they craved.

 19 They even spoke against God himself, saying, “God can’t give us food in the wilderness.”

Take a moment to reflect on this. After all, they had seen and experienced, they now shamelessly provoke the Father, putting Him to a test. The challenge was bold-faced and audacious. Can the Father do what they were asking Him to do? They questioned His abilities and intentions. It was almost as though they were making bets. Can He, or can’t He? Would He, or won’t He?

REFLECT & PRAY

“He who knows that enough is enough will always have enough” (Lao Tzu).

Father help me to learn to be content and grateful with what You provide for my needs.

INSIGHT

Their “demand” was granted. They got the short-term gratification they were seeking. They got their wish, but there was collateral damage, grievous unanticipated consequences. With the gift came disaster: a wasting disease in their souls (Numbers 11:18-20).

Psalms 106:15 He gave them their request, but sent leanness into their soul.

Psalms 106:15 He gave them their request, but sent leanness into their soul. The Hebrew word translated as leanness, plague, wasting, or disease is razon. Razon refers to becoming meager, diminished, atrophied, powerless, etc. While their stomachs may have been full, their spirits were weak and depleted. A lean soul is a spiritual disaster.

Numbers 11:33 While the meat was still between their teeth before it was chewed, the anger of the LORD was kindled against the people, and the LORD struck the people with a very severe plague.

How do we avoid developing lean souls? How do we grow strong spirits (Luke 1:80)? The battle is in the mind and heart.

1 Corinthians 10:6-11

 6 These things happened as a warning to us so that we would not crave evil things as they did,

 10 And don’t grumble as some of them did, and then were destroyed by the angel of death.

 11 These things happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the age.

We need to be able to say, “Enough is enough.” Instead of grumbling about what we do not have, we need to be grateful for what He has provided. Feed on the true Bread from Heaven.

John 6:27-35

 27 But don’t be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you. For God the Father has given me the seal of his approval.”

 32 Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, Moses didn’t give you bread from heaven. My Father did. And now he offers you the true bread from heaven.”

 33 “The true bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”

 34 “Sir,” they said, “give us that bread every day.”

 35 Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”

They forgot His works, the undeniable evidence of the Father’s wisdom, power, and goodness. In so doing, they forgot the Father. The Father “makes himself known by his works” (NET).

What have you asked for? Have you received it? Has your soul become lean?

¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 6-1-1

© Dr. H 2023