by Jordyn van Gaalen

God Will Provide

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“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions. On the sixth day they are to prepare what they bring in, and that is to be twice as much as they gather on the other days.'”
Exodus 16:4-5 New International Version

“Give us this day our daily bread.”
Matthew 6:11 NIV

Daily bread refers to the necessities of life, but not the luxuries. In the Lord’s Prayer, we are taught to ask for these provisions. God will give us what we need, but that doesn’t necessarily mean we will get what we want.

We sure have a lot of luxuries in our day. When I think of my great grandma or a lady named Gertrude who both went through The Great Depression, I am shocked at the contrast of life. Running water, grocery stores within walking distance full of food (even when name brands and Campbell’s and frozen pizza are sold out), the technology, and access to making money. We have a lot to be thankful for. 

Lately, while going to the grocery store, I find myself in a different mindset. I don’t expect to always find an array of choices or paper products or non-perishable items. Sometimes, you just can’t be picky.

It’s been a good lesson for me personally. Remembering what is actually a “need” and what is actually a luxury.

Unfortunately, even toilet paper is a luxury, one we’ve all really been valuing as of late. I’ve spent enough time in the woods to learn that toilet paper can be substituted with a large array of items. Lamb’s ear (my personal favorite), small sticks, grass (my least favorite), a coupling of leaves. But still, it’s sure nice to have our comforts.

God promises to give us what we need. He is merciful. He hears his people’s cry and He listens. He cares. He cares for our physical needs, just as He cares for our spiritual needs. He showers many blessings on us, beyond our daily bread.

The story of God raining down daily manna is a lesson in trusting that God will provide. For today, for tomorrow, for next week. For the days we have left here on earth, however many that may be. The Israelites were taught to take life one day at a time. We are told to do the same today. We are to trust that God will give us our daily bread.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado