21 October Numbers 15

Remembering the promises of God

Numbers 15:37-41 (NIV) “The Lord said to Moses, “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘Throughout the generations to come you are to make tassels on the corners of your garments, with a blue cord on each tassel. You will have these tassels to look at and so you will remember all the commands of the Lord, that you may obey them and not prostitute yourselves by chasing after the lusts of your own hearts and eyes. Then you will remember to obey all my commands and will be consecrated to your God. I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt to be your God. I am the Lord your God.’”

God gave the Israelites some rules about their clothing. One of these rules was to attach tassels with a blue thread to the corners of their clothes. The reason for these tassels was to help them remember God's commands. By remembering His commands, they would avoid sinning. They were meant to keep their minds on God's instructions all the time.

David says in Psalm 119:11 (NIV) “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you”. Furthermore the psalmist says this in Psalm 119:164 (NIV) “Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous laws”.

The psalmist says he praises the Lord seven times a day. Thus, he makes it his task to praise God throughout the day. Life can get busy with family and work, and it's easy to get distracted. What if you set an alarm on your phone to remind you to praise God seven times daily? Think about how that could change your mindset! You might feel more positive, calm, and confident, even when life is unpredictable. Why not try it out this week?

God’s nature reassures us of His constant presence with us. The Bible teaches that God is always present everywhere. He isn't spread thin or divided between places. Even though we may sometimes feel His presence more strongly than at other times, the truth is what the Bible says: God is fully present, all the time, everywhere.

Whatever we are going through, God will never leave or abandon us. This is a powerful promise to hold onto as we face life’s challenges in the months ahead. His presence will give us perfect peace, no matter what comes our way. Philippians 4:7 (NIV) “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”.

In conclusion, just as the Israelites used tassels to remind them of God's commands, we, too, need reminders of His promises in our daily lives. By keeping His Word close to our hearts and praising Him regularly, we remain focused on His guidance and avoid distractions that lead us away from Him. Whether setting a daily reminder to glorify God or simply meditating on His presence, these small steps help us stay connected to Him.

No matter our challenges, we can trust that God is always with us. His presence brings us peace that surpasses all understanding, guarding our hearts and minds in Christ. As we go forward, let's hold tightly to the promise of His constant presence and allow His peace to guide us through whatever lies ahead.