Does Something Stink?

The Israelites had to depend on God daily for 40 years just to have food and survive. He had already performed amazing miracles to free them from Egypt, so why wouldn't they trust that He would provide for them in the desert?

"Then the Lord said to Moses, 'I will rain down bread from heaven for you.'" (Exodus 16:4) "'At twilight you will eat meat, and in the morning you will be filled with bread. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God!'" (Exodus 16:12) God provided quail that evening and the ground was covered with thin flakes of bread the next morning. "Then Moses said to them, 'No one is to keep any of it until morning." (Exodus 16:19) These were direct orders not to hoard. "However, some of them paid no attention to Moses; they kept part of it until morning, but it was full of maggots and began to smell." (Exodus 16:20).

It's easy to point the finger at the Israelites and criticize their lack of faith. How could they doubt after all God had done for them? But what about us? When we hoard or collect for various reasons due to the need to find security, we are not trusting that God will provide. The things we are holding onto will eventually begin to "smell." The word "smell" could mean literally that your house will begin to smell because you cannot clean properly due to the clutter, or "smell" could mean causing problems in relationships, work, losing things, stress, depression, etc. All of these things stink!

If you are holding on to things for fear of the future, ask yourself if you are trusting in self or in God. He is your Creator and Father, and He knows what you need and will take care of you. He wants you to trust that He will take care of all of your needs, and that you should not worry about tomorrow. Relax and rest in His provision.