J.A. Matteson
Am I satisfied with my lot at days end, having applied myself in righteous kingdom pursuits, trusting in the goodness of Gods providential care, or am I continually unsettled in my insatiable desire for more? "Give us this day our daily bread" (Matt. 6:11). There is no virtue in idleness with a mind toward consuming my neighbors bread, nor is there in hoarding bread for tomorrow. Wisdom confesses it is divine providence that supplies today's bread, while simultaneously acknowledging that it is supplied through my industry as enabled by God. Israel stumbled at this point, exhibiting unbelief in Gods providential care by hoarding manna in hopes of attaining a supply for days. God frustrated their evil intent by delivering swift judgement, consuming the stockpile of their covetousness by worms (Ex. 16:20). At the same time the LORD would have us take a lesson from the squirrel, who in anticipation of winter when foregoing is not possible, stores away a supply to ensure its survival. Wisdom depends on God both today and tomorrow for what is needed, seeking first His kingdom and righteousness, living prudently with all piety and gratefulness. Folly, the fruit of unbelief in the providential care of God, seeks to establish its own providences, ignoring the word of God, forcing its way ahead by employing human wit in the hope of achieving desired ends. For a season folly may appear to prosper, but in the fullness of Gods time leads to ruin (Matt. 7:27). Intellectually we may agree with the providential care of God and His provision of daily bread; however, we may examine our inner state of the soul and there witness the true condition of our faith. Am I at peace or anxious? Am I resting in the everlasting arms of divine providence, or stressed and filled with worry? It is one thing to confess Gods providential care and quite another to live in it. Restlessness and anxiety over daily bread is an indicator of remnants of the old man wrestling control over your new life in Jesus Christ. Come to the cross, confess it as the sin of unbelief, leave it there, and continue on your pilgrims journey. The rest you seek is in Jesus Christ. He will not force you to come to Him, but when you do the peace you hunger for will become your daily experience as you depend on the faithful and loving hand of your Heavenly Father to provide what He already knows you need.
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