Our Daily Bread
As we enter into the season of Thanksgiving, can we truly say that we are thankful? Do we acknowledge God for the numerous things that support us daily, or for the abilities we have? One of the first prayers that children are taught in Sunday school is the Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. (Matthew 6:9-13, Authorized King James Version.)
Give us this day our daily bread is not talking about food (although, for some this is a serious need). It is a reminder that we are still dependent upon God to give us what we need. It also reminds us that his tender mercies are new every morning. Let’s face it, most of the time we just do things without thought – why, because we can! The only folks thanking God for being able to shower, dress, eat, walk, and work are those who previously were unable to do those things, and then once again could do them.
There’s one surefire way to open the doors of giving thanks – to usher in more peace, joy, trust, and hope in God – as we move forward in faith, to focus on our daily bread each day.
How To:
1. Look to God for What Is Needed Each Day
Our daily bread helps keep us from getting stuck in the past, or being consumed with “what if” for tomorrow. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own (Matthew 6:34 AMP). Pray your way into each new day, make your request known unto God. This act of humility is important – our attitudes and actions do affect our ability to receive the blessings of the Lord.
2. Trust in the Lord—Solutions May Take Time
Everyone’s life has some “wait on the Lord” parts! If you’re anything like me, I’m saying Father, oh God, could you please give me more like weekly or monthly bread? I want to know and I’d like to understand what the deal is, ha! I’ve learned that He just doesn’t work that way. When solutions linger, our faith mounts up to trust God more deeply. …but He (God) has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9, AMP)
3. Work Through Large Problems in Small, Daily Bites
The very first thing we learn about setting goals is to break each task required for the goal down into sequential doable steps. It’s the same for whatever we’re asking God for in prayer. It could be emotional, mental, or social strength related to one’s obligations or activities in that one day. Or, spiritual and physical strength to deal with one more day of chronic illness. Seeking the Lord’s help with each tiny step along the way to a final resolution navigates the journey, according to His will and way.
4. Daily Choices Have Eternal Consequences
Our daily bread keeps us aware of the details of our lives, the small things that occupy our days. The rest of the Lord’s Prayer (And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.) asks, implies, and states – as in preparation for those “eternal” consequences. First: Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love (1 Corinthians 13:13, NLT). Second, the three eternals: the Word of God (Bible), the soul of man, and the love of God. Eternal consequences are a quality of life that begins on earth and continues in heaven. We were buried therefore with Him by the baptism into death, so that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious [power] of the Father, so we too might [habitually] live and behave in newness of life (Romans 6:4, AMPC).
Give us this day “our daily bread” is a protection for us not to quickly become independent and self-seeking. We need God in all areas of our life (emotional, physical, occupational, social, spiritual, intellectual, environmental, and financial), and this is a daily need. We need to come back to God regularly, each day – many times each day in many ways. If the God who created the universe and everything in it cares for the birds of the air and the lilies of the field, how much more does He care about you and me?!
Be thankful for everything, receive God’s peace wrapped up in our daily bread.
Gayle Smith, Author, Certified Christian Life Coach
