Remember God
Have you ever read the Old Testament of the Bible? I used to not like it, because I like it more when things are straight to the point, just like in the New Testament. You know, where things are just made clear like “Love God, love your neighbor as yourself”, etc. I don’t have to think too much, I can just read, understand, and obey. But last year I finally made time to read the Old Testament by means of a YouVersion (the best app, hands down) Bible Plan. And I wish I had done this sooner, because I started looking at things from a different point of view.
I used to think that God was portrayed as “evil” in the Old Testament: allowing people to be killed and He seemed less loving. But the Holy Spirit helped me see that it wasn’t God who was “evil”, it was the people being disobedient and ungrateful that made it seem so. There are many instances where people turned their backs on God, almost as if He never did anything for them. Thinking about this makes me sad for God. Like, He provided for the Israelites during their exodus, He helped kings to win battles, He protected and loved on His people. And what did they do? As soon as things didn’t go their way, they would find something to complain about, they would turn to their little gods, they would disregard the One who had always been there for them.
Why would the people behave like that? It made me angry and confused. But the Holy Spirit was quick to remind me that if I were to be alive in those days, I probably would have done the same thing. As a matter of fact, in this day and age I do the same thing. God has been there for me all the time, loving me, and taking care of me. But sometimes, as soon as things don’t go my way, I try to figure it out myself and disregard whatever He has for me. Only to then realize my need for Him and come running back. Lucky for us, God never turns His back on us. He is always there, always loving us, always helping us. In our good and bad times, we should stick to Him for there’s really nothing better out there.
When you have eaten your fill, be sure to praise the Lord your God for the good land He has given you. But that is the time to be careful! Beware that in your plenty you do not forget the Lord your God and disobey his commands, regulations, and decrees that I am giving you today.
Deuteronomy 8:10-11 (NLT)
So, I beseech thee (I plead), please don’t turn your back on God; remember Him instead. We really need Him more than we realize.
Remember the Lord your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful, in order to fulfil the covenant He confirmed to your ancestors with an oath.
Deuteronomy 8:18 (NLT)
