Feb 16 Daily Rhythm

Morning
psa 78:25-31

Man ate of the bread of the angels; he sent them food in abundance. He caused the east wind to blow in the heavens, and by his power he led out the south wind; he rained meat on them like dust, winged birds like the sand of the seas; he let them fall in the midst of their camp, all around their dwellings. And they ate and were well filled, for he gave them what they craved. But before they had satisfied their craving, while the food was still in their mouths, the anger of God rose against them, and he killed the strongest of them and laid low the young men of Israel.

Oh God, you are so very good to a “stiff necked” people. We creatures tend to follow our first parents example. We always look to you for comfort and rarely in gratitude. Thank you that you have given us forgiveness. Thank you that you love us will a never giving up sort of love. Thank you that you chase us when we run from you.

Afternoon
Psa. 78:32-37

In spite of all this, they still sinned; despite his wonders, they did not believe. So he made their days vanish like a breath, and their years in terror. When he killed them, they sought him; they repented and sought God earnestly. They remembered that God was their rock, the Most High God their redeemer. But they flattered him with their mouths; they lied to him with their tongues. Their heart was not steadfast toward him; they were not faithful to his covenant.

Oh God, when we hear the words “not faithful to his covenant” we should tremble. We should tremble with the many ways we lack faithfulness just like the exodus generation. The many ways we doubt you. The ways we deny you. The ways we turn away from you. Heal us. Forgive us. Draw us. Change us!

Evening
Psalm 78:38-39

Yet he, being compassionate, atoned for their iniquity and did not destroy them; he restrained his anger often and did not stir up all his wrath. He remembered that they were but flesh, a wind that passes and comes not again.

Oh, God your compassion to us is partially rooted in our brevity. We are but a wind that passes. Help this truth also lead us to be kind and compassionate toward ourselves and toward one another. We are known to hold grudges for generations. Oh God, help us to live in light of the truth that our times are short. To live with knowledge that we are dust. And to love with this truth deeply in our hearts.