God, caring for His Own children!

Much of Psalm 78 focuses on God’s gracious “oversight.”

As does today’s Text. “But made his own people to go forth like sheep, and guided them in the wilderness like a flock. And he led them on safely, so that they feared not: but the sea overwhelmed their enemies.” Psalm 78:52-53

Clearly, the Lord here is depicted as a “Shepherd!”

Though, I remind you, this Psalm also shows how miserably Israel failed, in the area of reliance anyway. She grumbled, complained, disbelieved … filled with selfish cravings instead of adapting to God’s provision.

Still, God leads His Children along.

“He made his own people to go forth like sheep, and guided them in the wilderness like a flock. And he led them on safely.” Sounds a lot like Psalm 23, really!

The noun “wilderness” (in Hebrew “midbar”) occasionally means “desert.” Yet God watched Israel’s every step. Never leaving or forsaking them!

And God did not quit until that little Nation reached her destination, Canaan. In fact, God didn’t “quit” then! He has eternal plans for His people.

The word “safely” translates “betach,” a major Old Testament word for “trust.” God longed to bring Israel into a state of “care-free” living. No fear, no worry, no apprehension, perfect peace!

No threat of danger, even!

“And He led them on safely.”

Today, let’s we ourselves recognize that God’s Care has not diminished. Not for those who have trusted His Son, Jesus Christ!

That, even for us, as Peter wrote long ago, we can still function … “Casting all our care upon Him; for He careth for us.” 1st Peter 5:7

Yes, He cares!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell