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

The people of Israel lived in pagan Egypt, for almost 500 years. They came in empty, but were welcomed and highly favored at first.  A later Pharaoh subjected them to harsh slavery. God heard their cries and called Moses to deliver them from bondage.  He plagued Egypt and sent His people out, full of Egypt’s treasure.     

In the wilderness, God fought their battles and parted the Red Sea. In forty years, their sandals did not wear out.  He led them with a pillar of fire by night and a cloud of smoke by day. He brought water from the rock and gave constant revelation and direction to them through their leaders, Moses and Aaron.  In spite of the miracles and blessings, one day, they complained bitterly about the food.

“Then the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you. And the people shall go out and gather a certain quota every day, that I may test them, whether they will follow my instructions or not.” Exodus 16:4

When the people saw it, they called it manna, which means “what is it?” When they gathered the prescribed amount for each person daily, none was left over and no one was left hungry. When they didn’t trust God, and gathered extra, by morning it was riddled with worms. This was daily bread!

God is our source for everything, not just food. He gives us provision of all kinds including shelter, clothes, healing, comfort, guidance, justice, protection, wisdom, and the list goes on.  The idea behind daily bread is not just to get breakfast, but to get to know our God personally. If we take time to listen and not do all the talking, He speaks, in many ways—through scripture, dreams, visions, our imagination, nature, things that other people say to us or we hear in a song. He will reassure us of His love. He might warn us of danger or point out a way we are hurting someone we love. He might help you plan what to cook for dinner, or reveal plans He has for your future.  The lesson of the manna is that He gives us what we need for the day, not forever.  When the Israelites finally learned to trust God, He brought them into Israel — a land flowing with milk and honey.

Don’t be discouraged if you don’t hear the answer to a question, a need, or prayer in that moment. When the Israelites finally learned to trust Him, God stopped the Jordan River and brought them into the Promised Land. Be patient. Be watchful.  Be expectant.  Remember to be grateful for what He has already done. But be there, gathering manna, because He is there, waiting to give you daily bread.