Experiencing The Need!

There are times when others might tell us we need something which we don ’t believe we do until we experience the need. When we do sense the need, this can help us to properly focus on where that need can best be met. This is no more true to life than with regard to spiritual things.

As Israel was being prepared to enter into the land God was giving them, they were reminded of the need to carefully obey all the commands God had given. ( Deuteronomy 8:1) The people were also to remember the journey they had made from Egypt to where they were that day. ( Deuteronomy 8:2) During this time God had sought to humble the nation and tested them to reveal whether or not their hearts would remain obedient.

We read…
“And he humbled you and LET YOU HUNGER AND FED YOU with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, THAT HE MIGHT MAKE YOU KNOW that man does not live by bread alone, but MAN LIVES BY EVERY WORD THAT COMES FROM THE MOUTH OF THE LORD.” ( Deuteronomy 8:3 ESV)

As Israel had begun the journey, God “LET” them feel the HUNGER. They needed to experience the need, but it was also necessary to turn the CRAVING in the right direction. What could they provide for themselves where they were? Being led into the wilderness the people were left with no other alternative than to either trust God or cry out against Him. Initially the HUNGERING caused the people to grumble and remember how they had their fill in Egypt. ( Exodus 16:2-3) It was time for the nation to forget Egypt and have their HUNGER satisfied by God. It was not Egypt, nor themselves they were to depend upon to sustain their lives, but God who provided the manna and quail for the body and His commands and promises for living their lives.

The manna was provided with some specific commands with regard to its gathering. ( Exodus 16:4-5) Some obeyed while others did not, even in what some might consider a small matter. ( Exodus 16:19-20 & 27-28) However, through it all Israel needed to learn to depend on God and to know they could trust in Him to preserve their lives. The HUNGERING was to emphasize their need and the provision of the manna at the command of God was to captivate their reliance upon and trust in Him.

Sometimes we may need to experience the dissatisfaction that comes from following the ways of the world to cause our attention to turn back toward God. That’s what it took for the lost son to turn his CRAVING back toward home. ( Luke 15:17-18) Let us turn our sights from what the world offers for us to gorge ourselves with and keep looking to God for what He has provided that will truly bring satisfaction for the HUNGERING of our souls.

Jesus encouraged…
“Blessed are those who HUNGER AND THIRST FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS, for THEY SHALL BE SATISFIED.” ( Matthew 5:6 ESV)

We cannot live by bread alone. Let us continue to humble ourselves before God, allowing Him to satisfy our deepest CRAVINGS for life and eternity.

Have a great day CONTINUALLY SENSING THE NEED FOR GOD AND HIS WORD!
Carl

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