Daily Devotionals
Day by Day Devotional - Year 5 of 5
Devotional: January 17th

Psalms 106:1-23

Only the work of God was seen in Psalms 105:1-45; there was no mention of the sins of Israel. Psalms 106:1-48 continues with the same story from the escape out of Egypt, but emphasizes the responsibility of the people (cf. for example the episode of the quails in Psalms 105:40 and Psalms 106:14-15). Our history has also two sides. On the one hand, there is the perfect work of the grace which saves us, then takes charge of us to bring us safely unto our goal, in spite of obstacles and difficulties (Philippians 1:6). On the other hand there is our walk, so often slowed down by detours and wrong paths. We certainly need the One who, far more than Moses, stands constantly "in the breach", interceding for His own (v. 23; Romans 8:34).

"Forget not all his benefits", so Psalms 103:1-22 advised us. In effect forgetfulness opens the door to covetousness and that leads to rebellion (vv. 7, 13, 14, 21). Satan thoroughly enjoys planting evil desires in an ungrateful heart. He knows how to make the things of the world attractive to someone who no longer values the gifts of God, and through these attractions he can gradually lead his victim along the road of open revolt against God. May the Lord grant us always to understand His wonders (v. 7).