ODJ: covered
April 11, 2011
Then the whole community began weeping aloud, and they cried all night (14:1).
READ: Numbers 13:25-14:4
Springtime in Georgia rarely arrives without fanfare. While many anticipate the brilliant pink and white azaleas, others stock up on antihistamines and await the onset of the sneezing season. This past spring, the pollen was especially intense. One morning, my husband and I were amazed to see an ominous cloud of pollen visibly hanging in the air. Our noses and throats bore witness to nature’s invasiveness.
Numbers 13 records the story of the 12 spies appointed to check out the Promised Land. You might recognize the names of Joshua and Caleb, but the other 10 also impacted an entire generation of God’s people. Their names aren’t memorable, and their stance was regrettable: God’s promises weren’t possible (vv.28-29, 31-33). Like a fine dusting of pollen, their discouragement covered the people, and their words of fear choked out faith in the greatness of God. Weeping, the people cried out to return to Egypt where bondage felt safer (14:1-3).
Discouragement is a sneaky enemy because it leads to a slow bleed, a gradual erosion. As the battles become difficult and the results delayed, discouragement settles in, layer upon layer, until we’re ready to give up. Forty years after the 10 spies brought their discouraging message, Moses reminded Joshua—who was about to lead the people into the Promised Land—to “be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).
We have the choice to become covered with disbelief or faith. Joshua trusted God’s promises so much that he voiced them to others (Joshua 1:6,9,10:25) and, consequently, led an entire nation into God’s freedom. It begs the question: What are our lives reflecting to others—discouragement or deep trust in God?
—Regina Franklin
What has caused you to feel discouraged recently? How can you learn to trust God more and not “give up”?
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