So he gave them what they asked for...hmmm?

Please forgive me.  It has been a while since I have posted.  I plan to write a post around my hiatus soon.

But on to what has nudged (well shoved) me to take a few extra minutes during my reflection time and post.

Then they believed his promises and sang His praise.  But they soon forgot what He had done and did not wait for His counsel.  In the desert they gave into their craving; in the wasteland they put God to the test.  So He gave them what they asked for, but sent a wasting disease upon them ~ Psalm 106:12-15

This was my reflection/devotion verse from yesterday.  I try to read (and eat breakfast) in the mornings to set the tone of the day and focus my mind and heart. I kept coming back to So He gave them what they asked for...It was kinda jolting to my spirit.  I wasn't really sure why.  So read Psalms 106 to garner some additional background of the situation.  Key takeaways for me were that it begins and ends with praise, although in the middle there was some doubts and rebellion.  So I thought hmmm where am I being rebellious and doubtful?  Was this a warning, like I give my little ones prior to the punishment coming down?  What was I asking for, or better yet, complaining I didn't or did have that would cause that specific part of the verse to resonated?  

So He gave them what they asked for...I reread the verse again and again.  I then was drawn to the first two sentences.  Then they believed his promises and sang His praise...Then?  But they soon forgot what He had done and did not wait for His counsel...they soon forgot what He had done...ahhh!  Like in English class and life...it is never the current sentence (situation) that is the key, it is what has happen prior to that sentence (situation) that holds the context.  

What I gather was there was a lot of action on God's part, actually showing them His wonders and how much He loved them which motivated their praise, faith and following.  However, if there was a time where there was no tangible blessing (have any of those times?) then they lost sight of what He had done and asked for what they desired.  After a while, I assume like I do sometimes with my little ones, He gave them exactly what they asked for.

Of course the last part of that verse, BUT sent a wasting disease upon them wrapped it all up, gives the reality check.  Ummm no thank you!  I will take faithfulness, patience and Your will, God.  I will pass on what I think I want (and all the mess that comes with it) if it is not in Your will...LOL.  Negative on the wasting disease!

There have been times, many lately, where I was doubtful and lacked faith in myself and my God given abilities.  I assume this is why this resonated with me so much.  I really don't want what I am "asking" for.  Even though I am not literally asking for anything, my actions (and reactions), beliefs and self talk say otherwise.  I am in tune enough to know this and take this as the parental warning :-).  There have been times, however, when I really thought I wanted (and deserved) what I was asking for and there have been times where He has given me what I asked for and others where He has withheld.  So with my parental warning, I did some self reflection and was reminded of those times.  Also times when He has done what He promised without much assistance from me (I hear God saying "and thank you very much" after that statement...LOL).

Nudge:  Take time to inventory/reflect on if you really want what you are asking for.  Old saying, be careful what you asked for, you just might get it :-).  If you feel God is not listening to you/your request...if you feel you have lost faith , reflect on His overall promises and ALL the times He has done/moved etc on your behalf (without any input from you...thank you very much :-)).  Those times when the Universe has moved on your behalf are God's personal promises to you.