Give us this day our daily bread. Matthew 6:11
Yesterday we looked at the importance of feeding our spiritual selves (Matthew 4:4). Today we look at how we should pray for the food for our physical bodies. We Americans have an often unhealthy obsession with food. We want the kind of food we like when we want it. Even when we know it's harmful.
This morning, I'd like us to explore two ideas in this verse, trust, and contentment. There is ample proof that God will provide, beginning with the creation. God gave the plants and living creatures to us for food (Gen. 9:3). In the Psalms, we are reminded he gives food to every creature (Ps.136:25), and he will provide food to all those who look to him (Ps. 145:15). In Matthew 6:25, Jesus says, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?" When we pray for our daily bread, we can do so entirely, trusting God will provide because he has promised.
Now to contentment. Remember the children of Israel crying out for food in the desert? God provided them manna -- bread from heaven (Ex. 16). It wasn't long before they complained because they had no meat, and God sent them quail in the evenings. Then they groaned because of the way they had to collect the food. "What you mean we can't store extra? We can't gather food on the Sabbath?" It’s easy to point out the failures of long ago, but how content are we with what we have? We stock freezers and refrigerators, and our cupboards are full. For many, if we don't like what we have, we can order takeout from restaurants. Let's look at what the Apostle Paul had to say about contentment In his letter to Timothy, "but if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these (1 Tim 6:8.)
Most gracious and loving God, we give you thanks for all your gifts. While we know you have promised to provide what we need, we often fail to trust you. Despite all that we have, we are often discontent and ungrateful. Forgive us, we pray. We remember those with food insecurity. Please help us this day to become more thankful, faithful, and content and help those in need. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Blessings!
Pastor Tim
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