A Table in the Wilderness

"[Israel] spoke against God; they said, “Can God really spread a table in the wilderness? True, he struck the rock, and water gushed out, streams flowed abundantly, but can he also give us bread? Can he supply meat for his people?” Psalm 78:19-20

This verse is recounting some of the events that took place in the book of Exodus. But circumstances like this one have occurred over and over again, especially in my own life. The following quote is from a man I know nothing about, but what he says seems to be truth. He says: "To live is to encounter silent seasons of the soul, When every prayer will seem to go unanswered - As we face events beyond our understanding or control. Yet in the quiet darkness, Christ is working. His silence in the shadows doesn't mean he doesn't care; A part of faith is trusting without reason, Believing, when he can't be seen or heard, that he's still there...So when answers fail to come, don't be discouraged. Keep leaning on his steadfast love and trusting in his will, For knowing "why" won't really make a difference - But growing close and knowing Jesus will." ~B. J. Hoff

There are indeed seasons of the soul; some feel like a well-watered soul and abundance in growth, while others feel like parched desert and isolation. The parched desert of isolation is where Israel had found themselves. But rather than seeking to learn from God, they blamed him and grumbled. How often do I do that? How prevalent is the mindset that God is holding me at arms length or with-holding some good thing from me? Thoughts like these do not serve a Christian well. Instead, they turn into self pity and drive a soul farther into the desert. I am writing this more to myself than to anyone else; do not criticise the workings of an infinite God, a perfect maker, supreme designer, and the orchestrator of all history. "Behind a frowning providence He hides a smiling face." Can the God of the universe spread for me a table in the wilderness and provide my soul with bread and meat? Yes, in the wilderness, and even in the presence of my enemies. Ephesians 3:20, Psalm 23:5 Seasons are short, especially in light of eternity. Why grumble about what is received from the hand of a loving and purposeful God?