Former Blackout Artist

When the dew was gone, thin flakes like frost on the ground appeared on the desert floor. When the Israelites saw it, they said to each other, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, “It is the bread the LORD has given you to eat. – Exodus 16: 14-15

Give us this day our daily bread. – Matthew 6:11

In Exodus 16, the Israelites were in the wilderness, hungry and grumbling. God heard their cries and sent manna from heaven, a mysterious provision they didn’t recognize. When they saw it, they asked, “What is it?” That question became its name – manna, meaning “What is it?” God provided for them in a way they couldn’t explain, a daily miracle from His hand.

Manna wasn’t flashy, but it was exactly what they needed. It tasted like wafers made with honey – sweet enough to satisfy, yet simple enough to remind them of their dependence on God. Each day, they were instructed to gather only what they needed for that day. No hoarding, no storing for tomorrow… just trusting that God would show up again the next morning with enough to sustain them.

Jesus echoes this same principle in His prayer in Matthew 6:11: “Give us this day our daily bread.” Like the Israelites in the wilderness, we’re called to live one day at a time, relying on God to meet our needs moment by moment. Not stockpiling for the future, not letting worry about tomorrow steal today’s joy, but trusting that God is faithful to provide for today.

So often, we want to know how God will provide. We want guarantees and plans that stretch far into the future. But like manna, His provision often comes in ways we don’t expect or understand. It may not look like what we hoped for, but it’s always enough. Sometimes, our “daily bread” is peace in the middle of chaos, strength when we feel weak, or unexpected encouragement from a friend.

The Israelites couldn’t store up manna, and neither can we store up yesterday’s faith. God invites us to trust Him anew every morning, to wake up and ask Him, “What is Your provision for me today?” Each day is a fresh opportunity to depend on Him and to see His faithfulness firsthand.

Just as God preserved manna in a jar so future generations would remember His provision, let’s store up reminders of how He faithfully meets our needs daily. When life feels uncertain, look back on His faithfulness and let it fuel your trust for today.

Today’s Prayer: Lord, thank You for being my faithful provider. Just as You gave manna to the Israelites each day, You give me exactly what I need for today. Help me to let go of worry about tomorrow and to trust You completely. Teach me to depend on You daily, knowing that Your provision is always enough. Amen.