As I look at these words spoken to the Israelites, I am prompted to take notice of God’s providential nature. In His faithfulness, He has provided them with a reminder of all that He has done for them. And what was the primary provision? It was His presence. Of course, it was His presence. He had blessed, He had watched over, and He had been with them in their difficult journey.

Therefore, they had lacked nothing. But in their desperation and dissatisfaction of the circumstances, they had proclaimed, time and time again, that they lacked everything! Oh, the continual longing we have for more than what He has provided! May we know the contentment that comes with the simplicity of His presence; for in it we recognize that we truly lack nothing.

Remind us today, God, of the provision of your presence–especially in our wilderness seasons. Help us to see how you have blessed, how you have watched over, and how you have been with us. And help us to live through the lens of your steadfast faithfulness.