When the Israelites get over the high of having escaping Egypt and settle into life in the wilderness, they begin to wonder where their food will come from.  After all, food doesn’t grow in the wilderness. Their fear leads them to accuse Moses and Aaron of leading them to their deaths. In spite of their complaining, however, God provides for his people.

Israel’s experience can mimic our own. Like them, we look to people, rather than God to be our providers. Like them, we see the past with nostalgia and the future with apprehension. We also look to material goods to satisfy our needs, often forgetting that “man does not live by bread alone.” Israel’s experience and our together remind us about the importance of cultivating an attitude of thanksgiving. We can put confidence in God, because God provides for his people.  It’s only as we gain the confidence of seeing God’s faithfulness over time that we can find the confidence to trust God in the places where he asks us to step out in new directions.

Questions for Reflection

1. What things am I thankful to God for?
2. Can I think of situations in my past where, in retrospect, my fears were overblown?
3. What are the non-material things you need?
4. What steps have you found helpful in cultivating an attitude of thanksgiving?

Check out last week’s service.