Remember and Rejoice
Opening Prayer
Turn your mind to focus on the majesty of Jesus. Then, ask the Lord to speak to you today.
Read Deuteronomy 8:1-20
[1] Be careful to follow every command I am giving you today, so that you may live and increase and may enter and possess the land that the LORD promised on oath to your forefathers. [2] Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. [3] He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD. [4] Your clothes did not wear out and your feet did not swell during these forty years. [5] Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the LORD your God disciplines you. [6] Observe the commands of the LORD your God, walking in his ways and revering him. [7] For the LORD your God is bringing you into a good land-a land with streams and pools of water, with springs flowing in the valleys and hills; [8] a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey; [9] a land where bread will not be scarce and you will lack nothing; a land where the rocks are iron and you can dig copper out of the hills. [10] When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land he has given you. [11] Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. [12] Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, [13] and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, [14] then your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. [15] He led you through the vast and dreadful desert, that thirsty and waterless land, with its venomous snakes and scorpions. He brought you water out of hard rock. [16] He gave you manna to eat in the desert, something your fathers had never known, to humble and to test you so that in the end it might go well with you. [17] You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” [18] But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today. [19] If you ever forget the LORD your God and follow other gods and worship and bow down to them, I testify against you today that you will surely be destroyed. [20] Like the nations the LORD destroyed before you, so you will be destroyed for not obeying the LORD your God. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What seems to be God’s major concern for his people?We all receive many blessings from God every day. God is so faithful in his care that it’s easy to take it—and God—for granted.
The people of Israel had cried out to God to rescue them from their suffering in Egypt. God had answered and set them free. Almost immediately, they found themselves without food and wanted to go back, but God provided food for them. He led them into the Promised Land, and they quickly forgot that it was all his doing.
What things in your life were answers to prayers that you’ve now forgotten you prayed? You’ve gotten used to living in your house and no longer thank God for it. Back when you were house-hunting, however, you prayed ten times a day until you found what you were looking for. What about your job? Your spouse? Your children? Your exam results? Did you cry out to God for help and rejoice when he answered? How long did you keep thanking him before you became so used to his blessing that you forgot you ever lacked it?
Apply
Take a moment now to reflect on God’s past blessings in your life. Name some specifically. Praise him!
Closing prayer
Lord, You are so very kind and faithful to me. Help me never to forget or to take You for granted.
Click here to sign up to receive the EXTRAs via email each quarter.
© 2024 Scripture Union U.S.A. All rights reserved. Reproduction of the whole or any part of the contents without written permission is prohibited.
Discovery is published in the USA under license from Scripture Union England and Wales, Trinity House, Opal Court, Opal Drive, Fox Milne, Milton Keynes, MK15 0DF.