Deuteronomy 1-2 (Psalm 69)

In these first few chapters of Deuteronomy after Israel's exodus from Egypt and 40 desert years Moses reviews their history of God's hand of power, provision, protection and purpose. Consistently the Israelites are faced with the decision of operating in faith and courage in the way God has for them though they continually with stubborn hearted rebellion walk in fear and discouragement. The theme of presumption continues to resurface in the story of the Israelites and I am greatly convicted of this even in my own life.

Deuteronomy 1:42-43 (NKJV) "And the LORD said to me, 'Tell them, "Do not go up nor fight, for I am not among you; lest you be defeated before your enemies."' So I spoke to you; yet you would not listen, but rebelled against the command of the LORD, and presumptuously went up into the mountain."

This presumption is referring to when the Israelites invaded the Amorites on a mountain after the 12 spies came back with a bad report from Canaan; the Israelites did what the LORD did not permit. How often am I giving myself permission to go on unauthorized vacations, consume entertainment media, using money wastefully, spending time doing tasks or unproductive things that the LORD has not blessed but rather that I have given myself permission to do outside of God's will. The worst form of presumption is making decisions or doing things when it is unclear what God is saying. This is a great pitfall. I often find myself operating in a place of fear because of a lack of trust in God's timing, I fail to wait on the word because of prideful impatience that stems from a personal human underestimation of God's blessing, power and ability to provide, protect and promote. God knows and hears our requests, He is not indifferent - we must operate in faith and trust, not fear or discouragement, wait on the LORD and do what God is blessing instead of demand God to bless what we are doing. 

Psalm 69:16-18 (NKJV) "Hear me, O LORD, for Your lovingkindness is good; Turn to me according to the multitude of your tender mercies. And do not hide Your face from your servant, for I am in trouble; Hear me speedily. Draw near to my soul, and redeem it;"

“You may trust the Lord too little, but you can never trust Him too much.” ~Hudson Taylor

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