“Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11).
Contentment with what I hold in my hands is fleeting. Feeling it’s not quite enough.
Subtle dissatisfaction. And an inner push for “more than.”
Then, some days, I just ignore the meal set before me.
Distracted. By things less filling.
Manna
They gathered manna. Every morning*.
Necessary. If they were to eat.
And if they picked up extra during the week? For leftovers? Just in case?
Well, that extra bred worms overnight.
God taught His chosen people daily gathering. How following His instructions meant they could eat and grow.
Daily discipline
Gathering what I need for today? I learn to just do it. Daily discipline. Developing a habit.
Sit and listen.
Pray and read the Word.
Ask Him to teach me His ways. Who He is.
And the next day? I’m back for more.
Daily bread
It took years and getting to a place of desperation during wilderness thirst.
Now I long for this quiet space to gather daily bread. And wait on the Giver.
He knows the measure for today.
It is enough.
What about you?
What has the Lord taught you about gathering daily bread and His provision? What is your daily practice?
Related
Come – Habit – Abiding with little and much – “My Sabbath” – Learning Sabbath – Famine – Wilderness – Matthew 6:11 – Exodus 16 –
*Manna appeared every day except the Sabbath. They were instructed to gather a double portion the day before Sabbath, providing sustenance for the day of rest.
8 replies on “Daily bread”
I’m so grateful He has taught me to pause before going into my day and wait with Him. Some days I miss it because of schedule changes but I notice it! It’s not my strength but His grace!
Yes. Pause and wait…by His grace!
While I’ve struggled with ‘just do it’ and feelings of mechanical vs sincere longing for His presence, it is necessary to just do it. I, too, realize a difference when I haven’t spent the time first thing for schedule conflicts or just distractions. In retirement years, I’ve been more consistent and make effort to schedule appts later in the day. Discovering written liturgies in recent years has been very helpful in conjunction with Bible reading. My church background was not liturgical. I appreciate the structure. Also, Robert Elmer’s recently published volumes of prayers from Church history eras are wonderful resources and encouragement…our ‘forefathers’ express the same concerns in every era.
Thank you for sharing. I’ve used “Valley of Vision” prayers for years but had not heard of this collection by Robert Elmer. My husband is giving me one of those for my birthday this year 🙂 Thanks for the recommendation.
We need Him more than food.
Amen and amen!
Living in another country is so different and difficult at times that the only normal is sitting with God and partaking in his manna.
I love this…”the only normal.” And partaking daily sustains us, helping us live out our calling in different cultures. Thanks for sharing.