Tag Archives: trusting in God

“Then Moses said to them, ‘No one is to keep any of it until morning.’  However, some of them paid no attention to Moses; they kept part of it until morning, but it was full of maggots and began to smell. So Moses was angry with them.”  (Exodus 16:19-20, NIV)

The Lord’s prayer includes these words: “Give us this day, our daily bread.”

The daily bread of the Children of Israel’s 40-year sojourn in the desert was called manna.  The wanderers were commanded by Moses to take only what was needed each day (except on the day before the Sabbath, when they were to collect two day’s worth so they could keep the command to refrain from labor on the Sabbath).  But some of the wanderers paid Moses no mind, and hoarded the manna.  They should have saved the effort: The manna became inedible by morning.

Believe it or not, something as simple as eating can be an exercise in faith.  Do we trust God to supply all of our needs, or do we have our own ideas about what we shall eat, drink, and wear?  And if we’re set in the food and clothing department, do we reveal our insecurities about the future of our children, the state of our health, or the various other uncertainties of life?

God knows that we need the necessities of life, and he wants us to trust Him to provide them.  We need not hoard; God has not forgotten us.  We need not fret; our heavenly Father has not left us alone to fend for ourselves.  – Luther

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“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”  (Proverbs 3:5-6, NASB)

As disciples of Jesus, we sell-short the vast and powerful Resource available to us in decision-making when we refuse to trust our heavenly Father with all of our heart.

A divided heart encourages confused loyalties.  The antidote is to be committed to do whatever it is — however small — to maintain a vital, growing, relationship with God; and make that task first thing you do.

Even when we err, “He will make your paths straight” back to fellowship and peace with Him.  Such journeys are easiest when we act while inspiration burns within us; and when the path to reconciliation, liberty, and life begins with the smallest of steps to the side.  – Luther

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“His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of the warrior; the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.”  (Psalm 147:10-11, NIV)

Today’s scripture reminds us that what impresses God is a person who reveres Him; a person whose hope resides in Him.

What motivates us?  Is it the approval of other people, or is it the approval of God?

In whom (or what) does our hope reside?  Is it with our extensive network of friends; or is it in our heavenly Father?

Parents delight in the love, trust, and obedience of their children.  Are we giving our Father reasons to delight in us?  – Luther

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