April 30

Morning

All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole congregation said to them, “If only we had died in the land of Egypt, or if only we had died in this wilderness! — Num 14:2 BSB

There are still murmurers among Christians today, just as there were in Israel’s camp long ago. There are those who, when faced with hardship, cry out against God’s discipline. They ask, “Why am I going through this? What have I done to deserve this kind of chastening?”

Listen to me, O murmurer! Why would you complain against the dealings of your heavenly Father? Can He treat you any worse than you deserve? Think about the rebel you once were, and yet He has pardoned you! If, in His wisdom, He sees fit to discipline you now, shouldn’t you accept it without complaint? After all, are you suffering as much as your sins deserve? Look at the sin that still lingers in your heart—doesn’t it make sense that it takes God’s rod to draw it out? Examine yourself and see how much impurity is mixed in with your gold. Do you think the refining fire is too hot to burn away so much dross? Doesn’t your proud, rebellious spirit show that your heart isn’t fully sanctified yet? Aren’t those murmuring words proof that you still need correction?

If you insist on murmuring against God’s discipline, be warned—it will only get worse for you. God often strikes twice when we refuse to accept the first blow patiently. But remember this: “He does not willingly bring affliction or grief to anyone.” Every correction is sent out of love, to purify you and draw you closer to Himself. Shouldn’t it help you endure the discipline more willingly if you can recognize your Father’s hand behind it? For “the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastens everyone He accepts as His child. Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as His children.” So, “do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel!”

Evening

How precious to me are Your thoughts, O God, how vast is their sum! — Ps 139:17 BSB

God’s omniscience brings no comfort to the ungodly, but to the child of God, it overflows with consolation. God is always thinking of us; He never turns His mind away from us. He always has us before His eyes! This is exactly as we would want it, for it would be terrifying to think we could ever exist outside the gaze of our heavenly Father. His thoughts are always tender, loving, wise, and full of care, constantly bringing us blessings. This is why it’s such a joy to dwell on the fact that God is always thinking of us.

The Lord has always thought of His people—this is why He chose them and made the covenant of grace to secure their salvation. He always will think of them—this is why they will persevere to the end and be brought safely to their eternal rest. No matter where we go, the watchful eye of the Eternal Shepherd is always upon us! We never stray beyond the gaze of the One who cares for us. In our sorrows, He is constantly observing, and not a single tear goes unnoticed. In our labors, He sees all our weariness, and He records every struggle we face as we strive to remain faithful. God’s thoughts cover every step of our journey, and they penetrate to the deepest part of our being. Not a single nerve, tissue, or vessel in our bodies is neglected. Every detail of our small world is remembered by the great God.

Is this truth precious to you? Don’t be misled by those who claim God is impersonal or detached. The Lord is alive, and He is constantly thinking of you! This is a truth too valuable to be lost. Earthly kings may be admired for noticing someone, and the person who gains a king’s attention often considers their fortune made. But how much greater is it to be noticed by the King of kings! If the Lord is thinking of us, all is well, and we can rejoice forever!