It’s really easy for me to be judgmental of the Israelites. After all, they had just seen God do amazing things. He led them by an enormous cloud and by a pillar of fire. The manifestation of God’s presence and His power to them was undeniable. He parted the Red Sea and gave them dry ground to walk on, and He allowed the Red Sea to swallow up Pharaoh and his men. They praised God saying, “Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?” (Ex. 15:11b). And then three days later they doubted both His goodness and His presence with them as they walked in thirst. “How could they be so blind?” we think. And yet, there are moments in time when I have the same attitude – when I see God’s presence and then, moments later, question why He is seemingly oblivious to my need.
Chris Rice wrote a song about this called “One of Those Days.” Here are the lyrics:
Oh, it’s been one of those days
When You walk with me
So close I think
I caught the scent of angels’ wings
And my, oh my unsuspecting heart
Leaps from its place
Begins to race
I finally found the place I never want to leave, oh…
Why can’t every day, why can’t every day
Why can’t every day, can’t every day
Be like today
Oh, why do the good days end
Makes me wonder now
With the way I feel
If yesterday was even real
And why, oh why do You seem so far away
Could it be that I’ve gone too far this time
And can I make You change Your mind, oh…
Why should any day, why should any day
Why should any day, should any day
Be like today
Do I wallow in my insecurities?
Do I trust what my feelings are tellin’ me?
Or do I rest in the promise You made me
That You’ll never leave?
Oh, today my heart believes
That the truth remains
You never change
Your love for me is still the same, oh…
Why can’t every day, why can’t every day
Why can’t every day, can’t every day
Be like today?
If only in those moments we can remember that God's presence is still with us, that He still loves us, and that He will never leaves us, then we will be able to find joy regardless of the circumstances.
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