Sometimes, God’s giving us what we want is a display of His wrath against us rather than a display of love. Therefore, we should not always rejoice when we get what we want.

In Psalm 78, the psalmist describes how the Israelites spoke against God doubting His power to provide the necessities in the desert. And God, in HIs anger, gives them meat and water, which are precisely what people wanted, but many of them were diseased and killed by God afterwards. The people got what they wanted. But it became a source of judgment rather than a source of nourishment.

In our desperate state of lonely singleness, we may compromise and marry a non-Christian and even think that God provided him/her. But that ends up causing even more pain and heartaches because it wasn’t God’s will.

In our desperation for financial struggles, we may be offered less than honest means to gain capital at opportune times that we interpret as God’s provision. But that leads to further struggles that we have not foreseen.

Going back to the Israelites. It wasn’t what they asked for that was the problem. It was HOW they asked for it that was the problem. Had they asked for food and water, which God knew they needed, trusting God and relying on Him, He would’ve graciously provided. But here’s how they put it: “Can God spread a table in the wilderness?… Can he also give bred or provide meat for his people?” Ps 78:19-20.

This is a voice of complaint, unbelief, and distrust. They were angry that God didn’t provide what they needed already. They wanted instant gratification and comfort but when they had to wait, they grew impatient and started doubting God’s love and  power.

Oh, how often you and I do this! Aren’t our lips filled with complaints and grumblings? “Why hasn’t God provided me with a husband” “Why didn’t I get that promotion?” “Why do I have to put up with these children?”

Be careful what you wish for. You might just get it.

Rather, ask, trusting fully in His provision, in His time, in His way.

PH