Too Full

“But when they had grazed, they became full, they were filled, and their heart was lifted up; therefore they forgot Me.” Hosea 13:6

Like most humans, I like to eat, and like everyone, I have favorite foods–many of them! I love a turkey dinner, I love pot roast, I love burgers & fries, I love ice cream, I love steak, I love salad, I love potatoes any which way, I love pizza. You get the idea. Much of my life is consumed by figuring out what to have for supper! But a funny thing happens after I eat–I forget about food. I’m satisfied. I’m full.

The same thing had happened to the Israelites. They were desperate to get out of the wilderness. So, they followed God’s commands, fought their enemies, claimed possession of the wonderful land God provided for them, got settled, ate their fill… and promptly forgot about Him! God had so blessed them that they became content and eventually complacent. Then they forgot that He had brought them there, protected them, provided for them. The only reason they were in the Promised Land was because God had put them there!

How true that is of us! It is only because of God that we are where we are, that we have what we have. He gave us life, breath and whatever strength we have. In His mercy, He does not send us immediately to hell because of our sin. In His grace, He gives us new life through Jesus. In fact, James says every good thing in our lives comes from God! (James 1:17). And we are so complacent, so full, so busy that we forget Him. Stop right now and remember your gracious God. Thank Him for all you have.

-Pastor Mike