56 But they put God to the test and rebelled against the Most High; they did not keep his statutes.
57 Like their ancestors they were disloyal and faithless, as unreliable as a faulty bow. Psalm 78:56-57

Asaph uses an interesting word picture of Israel’s faithlessness: as unreliable as a faulty bow. The bow was a powerful and necessary weapon in battle. A soldier wouldn’t be entirely defenseless without one but he would be at a serious disadvantage. Think of modern day action movies where someone relies on a gun but it misfires or is out of ammunition. It is worthless. That person tosses it and hopes he finds one that works.

Asaph compared the faith and loyalty of the Israelites and their ancestors to that faulty bow. The bow was essentially worthless and maybe even worse than worthless because when they needed it the most, it wouldn’t work.

Faith must be exercised to be “perfected.” But day by day faith often is not easy. (Faith in Christ for salvation is easy but the faith we need to use every day isn’t).

What kind of faith challenges are you facing today?

What is God asking you to do in faith? Are you resisting? If so, why?