Most of us love reading the Psalms. I do. Some days, like yesterday, I start with the Psalm of the date (Psalm 16) and then jump ahead thirty each time (so I also read Psalms 46, 76, 106, and 136).
This section in Psalm 106 sounded unusually loud when I read it.
I know it is describing a cycle in Israel’s history.
The entire Psalm recounts the events of the Exodus giving a description not only of the events, but of Israel’s affections and actions in response to God’s actions.
I think it is also describing a repeating cycle of actions and affections in my life and, most likely, in yours too.
12 Then they believed His words;
They sang His praise.
13 They quickly forgot His works;
They did not wait for His counsel,
14 But craved intensely in the wilderness,
And tempted God in the desert.
15 So He gave them their request,
But sent a leanness among them.
Verse 12 There are sweet times when I am strong in faith. My affections and actions are right in line and I am singing God’s praises with zeal and integrity.
Verse 13 But I forget. Something new comes up. This something may be a difficult trail or a distracting pleasure. And, in the light of it, I do not wait on the Lord.
Verse 15 is a rather haunting description of answered prayer. In our cycle of inattention and meandering affections, God may give us exactly what we say we want.