Tag Archives: wandering

40 Years of Anger

Most books written throughout history contain a clear author.   On the other hand, the Psalms of the Bible are comprised of multiple authors.  Besides Asaph, David and the sons of Korah, a few chapters do not contain a subscribed author.  Such is the case of Psalm 95 which unveils God’s 40 years of anger, Psalm 95:10 and the closing of mankind’s porthole to God, Psalm 95:11.

In view of this information, Moses would be a likely candidate, who regularly spoke with the Lord face to face on Mount Sinai.  Following 400 years of slavery in Egypt, God performed several miracles known as the 10 plagues through Aaron and Moses, Exodus 7-11.  Expecting Israel to be more grateful, not even the parting of the Red Sea would sway their hearts.  Instead, they repaid God by breaking the first and second commandment, Exodus 32:1-14.

This act of blatant disobedience ignited the Lord’s 40 years of angry.  A journey that should have taken less than a month, resulted in 40 years of punishment, wandering back and forth through a desert for 40 years.  The book of Exodus serves as a warning today for whiners and complainers.  Yes, its true that life is not fair at times.  However, if you encounter hardships in the future, perhaps God is using events to bring you back where He wants you to be.  By embracing this perspective, you will steer clear of God’s wrath.

by Jay Mankus

Investing in Your Future

Five months ago, I was aimless wondering in a spiritual wilderness, not sure what my future held.  In this emotional state, I began to seek counsel from a higher authority, placing my future in God’s hands.  What I discovered during this journey may motivate others to begin a similar endeavor.

While listening to a sermon back in February, my pastor challenged his flock to read one Psalm a day, a 150 day challenge.  Since what I had been doing wasn’t working, I gave this a try, hoping my situation might change.  Initially, nothing happened so I shifted my attention to the words I was praying.  Gradually, through studying the Psalms of David, an appreciation for his honesty, being blunt with God, redirected my prayer life.  By the middle of March, God was moving internally, healing my heart and externally with a vision for the future.

Yet, my heart was troubled, uncertain if the position I had accepted was a good fit.  Thus, I began the process of thin slicing, a psychological term that moves an individual to make a quick decision based upon the initial feelings within their heart.  While risky, I quit recognizing this career path did not fit the direction I wanted to pursue.  Despite a few set backs in May, the Holy Spirit led me back on track in June, toward a future with an upside, Romans 12:2.  If it were not for the biblical principles I encountered within the book of Psalms, I would probably still be unemployed.  Therefore, if you are seeking progress in life, invest your time practicing the prayers of David.  In the end, you will find a bright future, 1 John 5:13.

by Jay Mankus

The Pain of Sin

Since the garden of Eden, the consequences of sin have left people in agony.  Guilt has become like a nightmare that won’t go away, often overwhelming your soul.  Meanwhile, shame isn’t far behind, leaving a trail of disappointment, embarrassment, and tattered reputations in its wake.  If this wasn’t enough, the fear of punishment and rejection bombard an individual’s mind, wishing they did not partaken in sin.

Regardless of how moral you claim to be, everyone has had a 2 Samuel 11 moment.  One second you are thinking about others, then boredom leads to idleness, from here aimless wandering leads your heart into the presence of sin.  These momentary lapses in judgments are common, except the time they last.  The sooner a person comes to their senses, the softer the blow you have to endure.  However, if you choose to go on a binge of rebellion like King David, adultery, lying and murder will flush your legacy right down the toilet.

When a man after God’s own heart sins, 1 Samuel 16:7, no one is exempt from the power of temptation.  Psalm 38:1-11 serves as a confessional for David, describing the pain sin has left behind within his soul.  This crippling state should inspire Christians to follow the words of 1 Peter 5:8-9, who also struggled with this pain, swallowing his pride after publicly denying Jesus 3 times.  Submit to God, resist the devil and the pain of sin can become a distant memory, James 4:7-8.

by Jay Mankus