Exodus 17:1 The whole Israelite community set out from the Desert of Sin, traveling from place to place as the Lord commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink.
Change is hard. To leave a situation you understand, that you have figured out how to work within, only to encounter unknown trials, is difficult, and anger is a much easier emotion to deal with than fear. I’m honestly not surprised by the Israelites’ reactions here.
Exodus 17:2 So they quarreled with Moses and said, “Give us water to drink.” Moses replied, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you put the Lord to the test?”
But Moses, his reaction is the one to watch. He takes his frustration to the Lord instead of turning it onto the Israelites. He turns to prayer and then puts God’s answer into practice.
Exodus 17:3 But the people were thirsty for water there, and they grumbled against Moses. They said, “Why did you bring us up out of Egypt to make us and our children and livestock die of thirst?”
Precious Savior, I can relate to so much in this passage–feelings of fear, irritation, uncertainty, anger. Like the Israelites, I tend to grumble when I feel that unsettling mix of emotions. Help me be more like Moses, bringing my frustrations and fear to You alone. Help me, Jesus. Amen.
Exodus 17:4 Then Moses cried out to the Lord, “What am I to do with these people? They are almost ready to stone me.”
Have a blessed day.