Daily dependence upon Him

"Give us this day our daily bread." Matthew 6:11 Jesus often reminded His followers not to worry. He told them not to be anxious about tomorrow’s needs or potential problems (Matthew 6:25). This petition in today’s passage is probably best taken at face value. It is a request for the food needed daily, and that it is provided when it is needed. Most of the people in Jesus’ day lived hand-to-mouth. This was true particularly among the lower classes to which Jesus’ message appealed most. This request acknowledges God as the provider of every physical need, but it also reminds the petitioner to trust God to provide as the needs arise, and not necessarily in advance. Compare this with the lesson Israel had to learn during forty years of daily manna; any excess spoiled by the second day. They were always just one day away from starvation, and yet they ate well during all those decades. Rather, Jesus stressed a daily reliance on the Father, who provides for His children day by day. God’s grace was sufficient for each day. God wants us to trust Him daily with our needs. This kind of trust does not make us poor planners or careless with our futures. This also does not mean that we should not prepare to face what may come. Rather, it provides us a proper perspective regarding our relationship with the Lord. This pattern in prayer reminds us to daily express our dependence upon Him. God is always aware of what tomorrow will bring. He knows the problems we will face. Our trust and dependence upon Him will help us overcome them. He wants us to trust in Him daily. When we exercise our faith in Him today, we grow in trusting Him with our tomorrows. Let us walk with Him closely today so that we could live in accordance with His will for tomorrow.

Blessings,

Noel De Guzman

www.my-wbc.com