In Exodus 16 we’re first introduced to the manna that fed Israel throughout their time in the wilderness. An amazing miracle every day, especially on the 6th day when the manna lasted for two days. Yet the Israelites get sick of it later on, grumbling for meat instead.
It’s easy to have that same attitude as the Israelites, in our lives today. We can dismiss their mistakes as those of a faithless generation, but when we look in that mirror at our true face, we have many of the same problems.
That feeling of inadequacy when our phone or computer is out of date, for example. Contentment in this age of consumerism is difficult to achieve. It’s natural to covet what we don’t have – there’s a reason covetousness was identified in the Law of Moses as being a problem. Paul says “Godliness with contentment is great gain”. I find the practical application of this concept to be a difficult one, and I suspect I’m not alone in this. Fortunately, the Bible is full of examples of people that struggled with their own tendencies towards sin, so we know our generation is not alone in the problems that it experiences.
The Psalms are helpful in putting things into perspective. David writes “In you, O Lord, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame! In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me; incline your ear to me, and save me! Be to me a rock of refuge, to which I may continually come; you have given the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.”
Whatever our struggles, God is a strong foundation in which we can trust, turn to in times of difficulty, content in the knowledge that He will always listen.