Numbers 21:4 "and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way"
The children of Israel were making their way across the wilderness, toward the promised land...but along the way they became discouraged...because they were looking at the way..the difficulties and hardships they had experienced during their long journey. There were so many things they could have focused on...God had brought them through so much.
He brought them out of Egypt with signs and wonders, as well as miracles. When they came up against the Red Sea and could go no further, God parted the waters so that they could cross on dry land. The Egyptians were pursuing them, but they watched as the two walls of water that had parted for the Israelites, now came crashing down as the Egyptians tried to make their way through. Their enemy was completely annihilated.
When the children of Israel came to the bitter waters of Marah, God miraculously sweetened and purified the water so that the people would be able to drink from it. He also gave them fresh manna from heaven each day, and all they had to do was pick it up. He gave them water out of a rock. He was with them...during the day in a pillar of cloud, and at night, a pillar of fire.
They were in this wilderness for 40 years, but during this time, no one had to be concerned that their shoes or clothing would wear out. God even took care of that! Yet...despite all of this, they became discouraged. The Bible says they were looking at the way. In other words, they were focused on the difficulties along the way, rather than being focused on The Lord. God had provided for them every step of the way, but it was easy to lose sight of that.
Have we ever done the same thing? It's not that difficult to lose focus. When we look back at our lives, we can see a little more clearly the path that God has walked with us...and the many ways He has provided, strengthened, and carried us. We can stay encouraged every day by not only remembering..but also by reminding ourselves of how much God has already done for us...and by keeping our focus on Him. We will experience peace when our focus is on Him, and not on our situation....and He wants to do so much more! What a wonderful cure for any kind of discouragement. No matter what I face, I focus on my God Who is always faithful!