Fed and Led

Psalm 78 is essentially a summary of Israel’s history from Egypt to David, given for the purpose of “shewing to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and His strength, and His wonderful works that He hath done.” (v.4)

Whenever I read through the psalm, I notice a pattern: God does wondrous things on the people’s behalf, then the people forget all about Him and go their own way, ignoring His commands and doubting His ability to provide. And yet, time and time again, God proves Himself faithful and just and merciful.

I read through this psalm recently, and what struck me wasn’t the pattern this time, but the statement at the very end. After describing Israel’s failings and God’s faithfulness over the years, the psalmist gives this statement:

“So He fed them according to the integrity of His heart; and guided them by the skillfulness of His hands.” (v.72)

Despite Israel’s unbelief and unfaithfulness, God still took care of them. His care for His people was dependent, not upon their behavior, but upon His character. His justice required judgement be carried out in response to their unrepentance, yes, but His love and mercy walked hand in hand with justice. The people refused to believe God, forgot His works, and yet He fed them according to the integrity of His heart.

And that is what He does for you and me each day as well. He “feeds” us, provides for us exactly what we truly need each day—not because we are good or deserving, but because He is a God of perfect integrity. He will never fail to do that which is right.

And He also guides us “by the skillfulness of His hands.”  Aren’t you glad God’s hands are skillful? He has all might, all power, all wisdom, and leads us according to His skill. Wherever He leads us, no matter what He allows, we can rest in the truth that He knows what He is doing.

Dear Reader, you are fed and led today by the God who is perfect in both integrity and skill. His will for you is “good, and acceptable, and perfect”. (Romans 12:2)

You might not be able to see all the details of His leading and provision in your life at this moment, but the truth of God’s care and guidance is as unchanging as He is.

When God doesn’t lead or provide in the way we were expecting, it can be tempting to doubt that God is in control or paying attention to what is happening in our lives. But God’s Word is settled and God Himself cannot change: you need never doubt His character or be uncertain of His ability to guide or provide for you. God Himself tells us in the first part of Malachi 3:6,

“I am the Lord, I change not”

We can rest, certain and secure in the truth that God feeds us in His unfailing integrity, and guides us with His perfect skill.

“The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”

Psalm 23:1-3