Thoughts on Daily Bread

Jesus wouldn’t like Twinkies. He prayed, “Give us today our daily bread” (Mt 6:11). Fresh bread. But in my culture, we often over-value storing up for later. Where moth and rust destroy according to Matthew 6:19-20. I get it. I was raised in poverty, eating popcorn and apples for dinner, thinking it was a fun treat instead of understanding our lack of funds for substantial sustenance. When I came to have my own cupboards, anything short of fully stocked would make me seriously uncomfortable. One friend remarked that I had food for a month when she saw all my canned goods. My thought was, what if something happens? Don’t I need to be prepared?

I’m not arguing against preparation and wisdom, but I am arguing against fear-born self-reliance. Fear masquerades as wisdom. When we have enough funds in our bank accounts, when our cupboards are overflowing, are we still moved to trust God? Do I forget his provision when I have a glut of resources?

There have been very lean times where God came through at what felt like the last moment. When unexpected expenses come up, I intellectually know God will provide, but it can be hard to convince my feelings to not freak out over seeming lack. There have been two very visceral times in the past few months when I was down to my last dollar and then God brought abundant provision out of no effort of my own. He truly is a good father. If you haven’t had the opportunity to be trained in radical faith for provision, I encourage you to surrender and submit your finances – and all your choices – to Him. There are so many examples of his timely provision to testify of!

God, keep me. Give me the gift of faith for more, so the margin calls don’t feel so hard, for my bedrock trust in you, so that I am moved by the shifting economic sands beneath my feet. I know who my provider is, I know where my provision lies. You alone Lord, make me dwell in safety (Psalm 4:8). May it be according to me according to your will (Luke 1:38), that I would forget not your benefits (Psalm 103:2).