Reading: “And he gave them their request, but sent leanness into their soul.”—Psalm 106:15
Here is a very solemn subject to exercise the mind of a child of God. In the part of the church’s history alluded to, it seems that they had just arrived on the borders of Canaan. They had all along been sustained by God’s bounty, and the manna, as usual, came fresh from heaven every morning. But tired and dissatisfied with God’s provision, the Israelites demanded flesh to eat. It would have been happy for the church of God, if such rebellions had been confined to that period of its history. But, alas, in all ages, God’s children too often manifest the like temper.
Christian, God has appointed the very path best suited for you at this time. If a synod of angels had been convened to choose your present circumstances, they could never have arranged them better than Jesus has done. And yet how often have you thought that such an attainment, or such a possession, would have been for your good! And how often have you felt displeased when matters appeared discouraging, and felt disposed to tell your heavenly Father that such an exercise might have been spared; or that such a temporal portion might have been given you! And have you not, more than once, afterwards discovered that had Jesus granted what your heart’s desire, evil, and not good would have followed?
Christian, if you would benefit from this history, see the sad consequences of having any earthly desire gratified, which for the most part brings leanness to the soul. Ask the question from any of the chosen few, whose situations are among the great or affluent, whether their seals do not go lean, from their bodies being better fed than others? Prosperity in this world is dangerous to God’s dear children which very fully explains why Jesus, for the most part, keeps His people humble. Lord, choose for me, in everything, and for every state, for then I will be well provided for. Never grant any request of mine, which, in the weakness of my heart, I might be tempted to pray, lest the flesh, gaining ease brings leanness of soul.
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