Do I Have to Ask God for It Every Day?

Why would a prayer for bread be one that must be addressed every 24 hours (Matt 6:11)? It is more than that thing we do over our food (A preemptive strike before we go in on our meal). While we like to prepare and plan for longer stretches of time, buying food that can last for a week, two weeks, or a month, we are led to recognize our needs on a daily basis. Perhaps there is something that we ought to learn from the past in God’s dealing with His people. God did not allow the children of Israel to gather more manna (bread) than they needed, and if they did it would produce a foul odor. Exodus 16:6 states, “…the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may test them, whether or not they will walk in My instruction.”  It seems that the Lord wanted them to live out all that He taught them in obedience. This is a physical lesson to test the people concerning a spiritual matter: obedience to God.

I have come to learn that my spiritual life and success depends on Jesus. (Some would say, “Well, about time you got that point, Gilbert.”)  He is the everyday source and sustenance that has no end. He is also the table that I occasionally ignore in my hurriedness to conquer life out of my own strength. Let me be clear: I recognize Jesus every day, but at times I assume that I have had enough of Him to last me for a few days, testing my own ability to carry me through. So, I will pray, ‘Lord give me this day my daily bread.’ I need the Bread of life, Jesus Christ. All believers should acknowledge our need for Him on a daily basis. Otherwise, you just may have a religious life that has an odor apparent to those around you.

Beloved, trusting in religious practice can be a fatal flaw that exposes dependence upon the flesh.  That is why every day is a new day to ask God to supply our daily need. Yes, there is more than I will ever need in Christ Jesus.  But to keep Jesus as the priority in my life is a test of faith that I embark upon every day. Today Jesus, I need you more.