Psalm 78:23-29 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 78:23-29 on biblegateway.com
Verse 23Yet he commanded the skies above, and opened the doors of heaven;
Verse 24he rained down on them manna to eat, and gave them the grain of heaven.
Verse 25Mortals ate of the bread of angels; he sent them food in abundance.
Verse 26He caused the east wind to blow in the heavens, and by his power he led out the south wind;
Verse 27he rained flesh upon them like dust, winged birds like the sand of the seas;
Verse 28he let them fall within their camp, all around their dwellings.
Verse 29And they ate and were well filled, for he gave them what they craved.
Devotion
Today's psalm recalls the story of the Israelites in the wilderness and how God fed them using the ways and powers of God. Notice that God didn't just feed them, but God "gave them what they craved." God listened and responded to the cries of the Israelites as they spoke to each other. In the verses prior to this reading, God is angry with the Israelites because they had no faith and no trust in God's saving power. Yet God still gives them "what they craved."
It could have been a test of wills about who was not trusting and who was not faithful. But God chose to remain faithful, providing for the Israelites whether their faith or merits "deserved" it or not. God has a wisdom that is not ours. God has a wisdom that sees beyond what is earned or deserved. God's wisdom is fueled by love even when we lack faithfulness.
Prayer
Trusting and faithful God, help us to be the same. Grant us more certainty in your wisdom and graciousness in your faith. Amen.