Thankful!

“You’ve got to be kidding me! What do we have to be thankful for?”

Those words may not have been exactly how they said it, but I can imagine the tone and intent sounded similar.

They’d been struggling for years. More than just feeling oppressed, they would be held as examples of oppression for eternity. They had every right to be tired and angry. Their parents, grand-parents and great-grand-parents had a right to be angry.

I like to think I have a pretty good imagination, but I have a hard time imagining what it must have been like. Living under the thumb of a tyrant intent on causing you great pain and suffering—that’s no life at all. Yet, they lived through this most horrible time in history.

I’m referring to the Israelites who lived under Pharaoh’s enslavement.

The Old Testament tells the story of their plight and God’s provision, primarily in the books Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. A blog post doesn’t give near enough space to tell the story, so I encourage you to read it for yourself in the Bible.

I gave a brief summary of the Exodus story in this post about being prepared for the future. The Bible tells us the children of Israel did not live a life of luxury after they escaped Egypt. Far from it! Though God promised and proved His protection and provision, the Israelites struggled with obedience and contentment with their situation. Their thankfulness came in short bursts. They lived a cycle of sin > punishment > repentance > salvation. Over and over.

Sure, they had their periods of appreciation, but often, they quickly became unhappy. No longer satisfied with their lot in life.

What does a McDonald’s menu board have to do with the account of the Exodus?

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The long day of tending to family business wore on me. I felt spent as I began the drive home. A brief lunch lingered many hours ago, so I stopped to grab something quick so I could get back before having to get up early for work.

I recall sitting behind the wheel that night, reviewing the menu items, and thinking, It’s late. I’m tired. I need food. And then… I appreciate this.

Seems petty doesn’t it? I mean, it’s fast food. One on every corner, as we say. What’s the big deal?

For me, it’s a reminder. A reminder of God’s provision. A reminder to be thankful. A reminder that I’m not always going to be in a state of rest. Paul gives us a wonderful thought around thankfulness. He’d spiritually matured to a point few of us will ever reach. He described it this way.

“For I have learned to be content in whatever the circumstances.” (Philippians 4:11, NIV)

You may be experiencing a wilderness experience. You may even feel like you are in an Old Testament Israelite-like cycle of sin > punishment > repentance > salvation. Satisfaction may come to you in fits and starts.

Me, too—sometimes. Let’s be encouraged together. The Exodus and wilderness experience lived by God’s children so many years ago happened for many reasons. And there are many lessons we can take from it. Out of those, one I want to share with you is from Deuteronomy. I want to wrap up today’s post by quoting the verse and asking you to read it several times.

Let it marinate in your heart and mind. If you are in a wilderness time or cycling through life, rest in this promise from Deuteronomy 29:5 (NIV).

“Yet the LORD says, ‘During the forty years that I led you through the wilderness, your clothes did not wear out, nor did the sandals on your feet. You ate no bread and drank no wine or other fermented drink. I did this that you might know that I am the LORD your God.’”

Does this verse speak to you? I’d love to hear about it.

Today’s feature photo comes from a “photo-a-day” challenge I pursued several years ago. The photo inspires the topic. For me, the posts challenge my creativity, writing discipline, and dependence on God for His message. My prayer is that you find hope in God’s Word, and that you’ll share your hope with others.