Leanness of Soul

by Dennis Michelson
(Novelty, Ohio)

Psalm 106:15 - And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.

Introduction: Sometimes the worst thing that can happen is for us to get our own way. A lean soul is the result of God allowing someone to have what He does not want them to have. It is always preceded by a period of rebellion wherein the person insists that his way is better than God's way.

1. CAUSES OF A LEAN SOUL (106:6-14)

a. We forget what we have done (106:6) The process begins with ingratitude. We forget the mercy and grace of God and begin to think we deserve something more than what we have.

b. We forget what God has done (106:7) How soon do we forget that the God of the Red Sea knows what is best for us.

c. We cannot worship (106:12) Of course we can still go to church but worship is impossible because of the rebellion in the heart. Wickedness and worship simply do not mix.

d. We cannot wait (106:13) The heart of the problem is always the heart. The text says "they waited not for His counsel." A lean soul is generally preceded by good, godly counsel, left unheeded.

2. THE CONSEQUENCES OF A LEAN SOUL (106:16-39)

a. Reject authority (106:16, 32) When one rejects God's message he will often reject God's messenger.

b. Practice idolatry (106:19-21) When the truth is rejected then lies must follow.

(1) There is worldliness (106:34-38)
(2) There is whoredom (106:39)

c. We break our covenants with God but He does not break His covenant with us (106:45)

3. THE CURE FOR A LEAN SOUL (106:30-33)

There is no cure for the lean soul. Many miss God's best just like Israel - they wander through life for many years. You can repent of the sin but you cannot change the consequences. The consequences always have an effect on those around us.

Phinehas took a stand (106:30) and generations were blessed. Consequently, the rebel also takes a stand and unfortunately generations are affected also (106:37-38) Sadly, the bitterness and disobedience of the Israelites even influenced Moses (106:32-33). After 40 years their hearts were hardened and remained self-willed. The soul that begins with leanness will generally progress to hardness.

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the Lord. (106:48)