Psalm 106

So, another long litany of Israel’s history after being delivered from Egypt. This time, it ended with this plea: “Save us, LORD our God, and gather us from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in your praise.” (vs 47)

From this reminiscence of history, it’s easy to remember that the deliverance of God’s people was only just beginning when they finished crossing the Red Sea. Getting them out of Egypt was the easy part. Getting Egypt out of them was another proposition entirely.

This verse is hard to believe (though we know from reading the historical account that it’s true): “But they soon forgot what he had done and did not wait for his plan to unfold.” (vs 13) How could Israel have forgotten—and so quickly—all that God had done for them? How could they possibly have forgotten the frogs, the hail, the locusts, the darkness, the Red Sea standing on end?!

How could they have forgotten?

How could they have wanted to go back to Egypt? Back to bondage?

How could we?

Yes, the sad truth is that we are often like Israel. We enjoy a few moments on top of a spiritual mountain, but all too soon, the high is gone, and we have forgotten everything the Lord has done for us. We skid back down to the valley, wondering where God is and slowly starting to make our own plans for the future again. Our trust so quickly fades away.

When you read Psalm 106, it’s clear that the only thing God was trying to save the Israelites from was themselves. If we somehow think our problem is an external one, we’re mistaken. Our problem is all on the inside. For God, changing our scenery is easy; changing our inner landscape is extremely difficult.

In fact, it’s the only thing difficult for Him, because He can’t make a unilateral decision about it. It requires our willing participation.

God wants to save you from yourself. Will you let Him?

Will you follow Him out into the wilderness? Or would you rather head back to slavery?