God’s Guiding Word: Promise
June 13
Introduction
Psalm 78:21–37: Today’s reading begins with God’s anger with the people because of their lack of faith. Even though God continues to provide for them, the people keep on sinning.
Today’s Key Verse: Psalm 78:25
They ate the food of angels, and God gave them all they wanted.
Reading
21 And so the Lord was angry when he heard them;
he attacked his people with fire,
and his anger against them grew,
22 because they had no faith in him
and did not believe that he would save them.
23 But he spoke to the sky above
and commanded its doors to open;
24 he gave them grain from heaven,
by sending down manna for them to eat.
25 So they ate the food of angels,
and God gave them all they wanted.
26 He also caused the east wind to blow,
and by his power he stirred up the south wind;
27 and to his people he sent down birds,
as many as the grains of sand on the shore;
28 they fell in the middle of the camp
all around the tents.
29 So the people ate and were satisfied;
God gave them what they wanted.
30 But they had not yet satisfied their craving
and were still eating,
31 when God became angry with them
and killed their strongest men,
the best young men of Israel.
32 In spite of all this the people kept sinning;
in spite of his miracles they did not trust him.
33 So he ended their days like a breath
and their lives with sudden disaster.
34 Whenever he killed some of them,
the rest would turn to him;
they would repent and pray earnestly to him.
35 They remembered that God was their protector,
that the Almighty came to their aid.
36 But their words were all lies;
nothing they said was sincere.
37 They were not loyal to him;
they were not faithful to their covenant with him.
Reflect
In today’s reading, how does God continue to provide for the people? Reread verses 34–37. What does the psalm writer say about the people’s behavior? What are your thoughts on why the people who experienced his miracles—and judgments—did not trust God?
Pray
Gracious God, you provide for our needs daily. I thank and praise you for your continued love and care, even when I stray. You are always ready to welcome me when I turn to you, ask your forgiveness, and seek to be reconciled to you. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Psalm 78:38–51: God continues to be merciful.
