Ps 81:7 You called to me in your pain; I got you out of a bad place. I answered you from where the thunder hides, I proved you at Meribah Fountain. (MSG)
Ps 81:7 "You called in trouble, and I rescued you; I answered you in the hiding place of thunder; I proved you at the waters of Meribah. Selah. (NAS)
I really liked the wording of this passage of scripture, "I answered you in the hiding place of thunder." There are things in nature that God made to teach us about Him. The bible speaks of the treasures of the snow, and of the hail, as if there are wonderful secrets there to be uncovered. (Job 38:22). In fact the bible says, God's glory is shown in the secrets He has hidden and He allows us to bask in the glory when we discover them. (Prov. 25:2) This text reminds us that God has incredible secret reserves of power ready to be revealed and demonstrated in His timing. His power can come up as quickly as a summer downpour, when a few moments before there wasn't a cloud in the sky. (1 Kings 18:44,45)
In context God says you were thirsty at a place called Meribah and didn't know if I would meet your needs, but I did. You tested Me (God) and I passed. I tested you, and you flunked. One of the most important facets of modern manufacturing processes is quality control. Machines, even the best of them need continual adjustment to ensure optimum production quality. God does quality control testing also, but for a different reason. He is not testing so that He can figure out what is wrong, He is testing to show us what He already knows is wrong.
There will always be people who want to blame every shortage, or problem on the devil. I simply want to remind you that some problems are there from God to show you the depth (or shallowness) of your faith. If you are facing an area of lack today, hang in there, and keep believing in the God who answers from the hiding place of thunder. Your answer may not yet be visible, but God's faithfulness is reliable. Keep the fire of your faith burning.
