What steps can we take to avoid the consequences described in Psalm 78:31? The Warning Summarized “God’s anger flared against them, and He put to death the strongest of them; He subdued the young men of Israel.” (Psalm 78:31) Roots of the Disaster • Craving that overrode contentment (Psalm 78:18) • Testing God’s character (Psalm 78:19) • Persistent unbelief despite clear evidence of His power (Psalm 78:22) • Forgetfulness of past deliverance (Psalm 78:42) Heart-Level Safeguards • Cultivate awe: remember daily “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Psalm 111:10). • Choose gratitude over grumbling: “In everything give thanks” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). • Strengthen faith by hearing the Word (Romans 10:17). • Guard desires: “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). • Keep short accounts with God—confess quickly (1 John 1:9). Practical Daily Steps • Morning remembrance: rehearse one specific past work of God. • Scripture saturation: memorize, meditate, obey (Psalm 119:11). • Complaint fast: catch and replace every complaint with praise (Philippians 2:14). • Accountability: invite a mature believer to speak into life habits (Hebrews 3:13). • Regular communion and fellowship: “not neglecting to meet together” (Hebrews 10:25). Encouraging Promises that Motivate Obedience • “He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.” (Psalm 107:9) • “No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” (Psalm 84:11) • “If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:25) Outcome of Walking These Steps Instead of discipline, we enjoy the blessing pictured in Psalm 91:1—“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty”. |
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