When we're in the midst of storms of fear, uncertainty, anxiety, failure, loneliness, betrayal, feeling hopeless, we usually cry out to the omnipotent One who holds us and the future. For the believer, he's our Rock and foundation. Unfortunately, when the calm settles in often we forget the One who carried us through the fire and water to the "other side." As we move on from the point of despair to our normal life, we fall into the pattern of self-sufficiency - confident that we've weathered the storm, circumvented yet another disaster and are now resting comfortably secure.

The children of Israel were being fore-warned by Moses of their historical, sinful self-sufficient tendencies as well as their spiritual fickleness. Experientially, they were an independent, proud, stiff-necked, stubborn people. Moses wanted them to heed the warning of imminent destruction if they forgot him who rescued, provided for, protected and blessed them.

Lord, may our focus be on you, the One who has called, forgiven, saved, sustained, is sanctifying and will, at your return, glorify us ... lest we forget.

Sherry Van Huisen