A Word Picture

We are all hungry for something and seek to be satiated. And by this, of course, I am speaking of our souls and spirits. Approval, pleasure, significance, security, success, forgiveness, love. But what is our source of sustenance?

Two very contrasting passages arrested my attention today while studying a different topic. Here they are...

1.Speaking of the Israelites after they were delivered from the Egyptians and were wandering in the desert, David says in Psalm 106: 13-15,

They soon forgot His works; They did not wait for His counsel,but lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tested God in the desert. And He gave them their request, but sent leanness into their soul.

It is the last statement that sends conviction and fear shooting straight through my heart. I have felt leanness in my soul before and it is shallow and painful and leaves me aching. The picture here is quite clear. The people of Israel made the choice to ignore God and push ahead with their own agenda. In doing so, they "lusted" after other gods and challenged the Almighty God's authority. And what was His response? He gave them what they wanted. The consequence was a lean and hungry soul. This is not a picture of peace and joy and fulfillment. This is not a picture of communion and intimate relationship. This is a picture of a willful child enduring the consequences of their poor choices. Ouch.

2. And now David offers us this refreshing picture from Psalm 37: 3-5 and part of 7.

Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart...rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him...

Simply reading these words refreshes my spirit and gives me hope. The picture here is one of peace and joy and fulfillment. This is a picture of sweet communion and intimate relationship. The end result of committing to this road is a satisfied, nourished soul. Rest.

So, why do I so often travel the desert road with the people of Israel? I do not desire a leanness of soul, but by my actions, by pursuing lesser things, that is what I'm telling God. I think too often I am afraid of where God will lead me, not because I have any reason not to trust Him, but because my faith is weak. The pull of the world is strong and ever present. It is here and now and loud and colorful. It is immediate.

Today I was startled by a theme I saw in several scripture passages. It is repeated in part of Psalm 37 - "wait patiently for Him." Wow. God delivered the people of Israel from Egypt, but things were not immediately easy or clear for them. Instead of waiting for God who promised to be there for them, they moved ahead without Him. That's what I do too. Maybe I'm impatient. Maybe I'm afraid of not knowing what lies ahead. Maybe I don't like being still and quiet. Maybe I need to trust God's leading a little more and "dwell" with Him a little longer and "feed on his faithfulness" instead of my insecurities.

When God asks us to delight in Him, He is not being arrogant. He knows we hunger, and he knows what will nourish us. Him. He designed us for relationship with Him, so it only makes sense that the greatest desires of our heart would be fulfilled by our Creator. Anything else will bring a leanness to our souls.

This is a word picture that will stay with me a long time: a leanness in the desert or satisfied delight in the land of God.