The psalmist recounts Israel‘s perpetual rebellion in the wilderness despiteGod‘s miracles. He recalls the plagues in Egypt and how God delivered themfrom their oppressors, led His people safely through the wilderness, andbrought them to the promised land, driving out nations before them andgiving them the land as an inheritance. - P120
40How often they rebelled against him in the wilderness and grieved him in the wasteland!
41Again and again they put God to the test; they vexed the Holy One of Israel.
42They did not remember his power— the day he redeemed them from the oppressor, - P120
The psalmist is shocked that the Israelites continue to disobey God, especially considering how He repeatedly displayed His power with the ten plagues of Egypt. The psalmist lists the plagues to remind the people of all they should have remembered and all they should value in their response to the Lord. - P122
Likewise, when we ponder the Lord’s redemptive power in the stories of the Bible, in our own lives, and in the world today, our response should be to treasure Him. - P122
Most of all, we should meditate on the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who was struck down for us so that we may live. When we remember what He has done, our faith is refueled to respond with even greater obedience and worship. - P122
After recounting the demonstrations of God‘s power in Egypt, the psalmistuses the imagery of a shepherd guiding his sheep to demonstrate the protec-tion and care that God displays toward His people. - P122
God rescued the Israelites and guided them safely through the wilderness. He drove out nationsand settled His people into their inheritance. - P122
They never had to be afraidbecause they knew that they were safe with Him. What a wonderful pictureof our God! He continues to shepherd us today, guiding and protecting uswith the help of the Holy Spirit. - P122
We can be at peace because we are securein Him. Let us live fearlessly, knowing that He is with us. - P122
Heavenly Father, thank you for showing Your redemptive power in my life. - P123
I know I am secure because You are my Shepherd and my guide. Teach me to remain in this place of peace as I remember that You are always with me. In Jesus’ name, amen. - P123
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