Manna
Exodus 16:4a
“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.”
Matthew 6:11 “Give us this day our daily bread.”
Philippians 4:19 “And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
In the wilderness, as the Israelites journeyed toward the Promised Land, they began to grumble and question God’s care for them. God responded by sending manna from heaven. Each morning, the Israelites would awaken to find this miraculous bread scattered across the ground, a tangible reminder of God's faithfulness and provision. They were instructed to gather only enough for that day, teaching them to rely on God’s daily provision and to trust that He would continue to meet their needs, day by day. The provision of manna was not just about physical sustenance; it was a lesson in trust and dependence on God.
In Matthew 6:11, Jesus taught his disciples to pray, saying "Give us this day our daily bread.” This simple yet profound request echoes the lessons learned in the wilderness. Just as the Israelites relied on God for their daily manna, we are invited to seek God's provision for our daily needs -not only our physical needs, but our spiritual and emotional needs as well. We are called to trust in God's goodness and faithfulness for all we need in the present moment.
Each of us can look back at our life and clearly see God’s faithfulness and provision - in all of the ups and downs of life. During the last few weeks of my mom’s life here on Earth, she would often quote a verse from the hymn, “Great is Thy Faithfulness” - “strength for today, bright hope for tomorrow.” Even in those days filled with tears and sorrow, we could feel God’s presence and faithfulness, giving my mom (and our family) what we needed, day by day, hour by hour, moment by moment.
Today, take a moment to reflect on God’s provision in your life. What are the ways you have seen His faithfulness? How can you practice daily dependence on Him, trusting that He will meet your needs today? We are surrounded by God’s manna. It is not the food that He provided to the Israelites, but it is no less present and obvious. As we begin another day - a day which may hold some unexpected joys or challenges - remember that God will continue to sustain you and will provide for every need. Embrace the gift of each day, knowing that God holds all time in His loving and faithful hands. “His mercies are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:23) and His love is steadfast and true.