Deuteronomy 4:1-40.
The Israelites were camped at the Jordan and ready to enter the land that God had promised them. Moses was giving the people instructions as people prepared to enter occupy the land. The key instructions were:
- obedience – 4:5
- becoming a great nation – 4:7-8
- remember and be thankful – 4:9
- avoid idols – 4:16-19
- know God’s mercy – 4:31
- only one God – 4:35, 39
- remember God’s blessing – 4:37-38
Israel always had problems being obedient and remembering what God has done for them. God had to remind them to remember and stay obedient to God. In Deuteronomy, the 10 Commandments are listed again and Moses challenged the people to listen, learn and obey God’s instructions (5:1). Remember and being thankful will help us to know how God has worked and will continue to work in our lives. God is always with us and will not abandon us (4:9, 31)
In my life, I try to be thankful even in the midst of our infertility and even when my wife has survived cancer twice. Even now with the continued new effects of Parkinson’s, God continues to be with us in these hard times. He will not abandon us. During this week, make a list of 5 hard times to be thankful for in your life. Thank God for helping you through these hard times.
How did God help you through times where it seemed God had abandoned you? What was the “method” when you saw you were not alone?
Inspirational Books - Moving us through Life's Ups and Downs 