The life of faith is never an easy life. We have to do battle with the world, the flesh and the devil. We see the influence of the world in Exodus 17:3 – “Why did you bring us up out of Egypt… ?” We may also see this as the influence of the flesh. The world appeals to our desire for the things of the flesh. The influence of the world and the flesh is also seen in Psalm 22. We see the Psalmist’s feeling that God is far from him – “Why are You so far from saving me… ?” (Psalm 22:1). The Psalmist’s sense of abandonment is seized upon by the world - ”All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads” (Psalm 22:7). The ultimate origin of temptation is the devil – Jesus was “tempted by Satan” (Mark 1:13). In our conflict with the world, the flesh and the devil, we, like Jesus – “angels attended Him” (Mark 1:13) – can know the strength and victory which God gives.
What God did for His people, Israel, was very great. There is a striking contrast between their slavery in Egypt and their abundance in the promised land. God had multiplied His blessing upon them, just as Jesus did when He turned water into wine (John 2:1-11). If the blessing is to be maintained and increased, we must honour the Lord. We must cry to Him for blessing: "Hear my prayer, O God, listen to the words of my mouth." We must call upon Him with faith: "Surely God is my help; the Lord is the One who sustains me" (Psalm 54:2,4).
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