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It was hot and dry in the desert, and the people of Israel had no water to drink. They were sure God had finally deserted them. They were angry at Him and at His servant Moses, and began complaining, as if to say, God has forgotten us! We're going to die out here in the desert! They even wanted to go back to Egypt. This showed that they had moved beyond merely registering a complaint with God and on to active rebellion against His design for them.

Of course, God hadn't forgotten His people—even in the desert. He provided water for them from a rock. But He was displeased with His people because they rebelled against Him.

When do you feel angry with God? It may be when you think He isn't meeting your needs. But this story shows that God is always able to meet your needs, even when He has to do something as impossible as producing water from a rock! Even when you feel that God isn't giving you what you need, you aren't permitted to rebel against Him.

God knows that you're human, that you sometimes feel the emotion of anger against Him But He warns you not to turn those feelings into action by rebelling out loud against what He is doing. Instead, you are to wait on His provision, trusting Him to do what is right for you. (See also Job 19; Psalm 10; Habakkuk 1:2-5.)

Good Words to Remember:
This was the water of Meribah, because the children of Israel contended with the LORD, and He was hallowed among them. Numbers 20:13

Today's Challenge:
How do you respond when you're angry with God?

Bible Studies to Help You Go Deeper