Each morning they picked up their bread from the ground, for forty years.

On a journey they weren’t expecting, impatient with God’s misdirection and seeming neglect, the Israelites harvested the honey-flavored wafers that fell like snow each morning with the dew.

They’d never seen anything like it, which is how it got its name:

manna,

“what is it.”

It’s humbling to rely on God for our daily provision. Our pride and self-confidence can squirm under the knowledge that despite our best attempts He is our sole source of nourishment and refuge. Resentment and ingratitude can rise in response to our dependent position.

 Why is that?

Is it because we begin to worry that we can’t control Him? That if He chooses not to come through for us there’s nothing we can do?

Or, is it because we know He’s watching to see how we make use of His provision? Every part of our life becomes scrutinized to discover if we’re good stewards.

“Should I be setting some manna aside? Are we gathering too much? Do other’s have enough?”

I wonder: 

After a while did the Israelites stop asking what it was?

Did they become blasé about the daily collection of this miracle provision?

Was it a chore instead of a blessing?

There are days, weeks even, where the thought of cracking open my Bible, sitting in His presence, going to church or raising my hands in song seem exhausting.

Dry

Dead

Stale

My “daily bread” from God no longer satisfies my hunger. The delicate wafer doesn’t look to be enough and my desire is for more.

What has changed? 

God’s provision is what is always has been, perfectly designed to fit my every need.

My perception has changed. Instead of coming to Him with wonder, awe, gratitude, I view Him as a slave driver demanding subjection and genuflection

His word no longer tastes like honey, but sawdust. His presence feels foreboding, rather than reassuring.

Why does this happen?

We forget that God’s nature is not like ours.

Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. {John 15:13}

Our inability to pay back our debt; our total reliance on His provision, direction and wisdom can result in fear when we twist it with the knowledge of human nature.

Man would demand something for such a gift. If nothing else, we humans want to be recognized for our good deeds and to make sure that the recipients of those good deeds never forget what we’ve done for them.

God gives that gift freely.

Because if we could earn it, it loses all its value.

It is a gift of God, freely given, so that no man may boast.

What can we do?

Say thank you. When my children receive a gift, my constant chant is, “What do you say?”

Gratitude.

It’s the one weapon I’ve discovered that is able to combat entitlement and resentment. It can restore us to a place of wonder and awe at the daily provision of God.

To an awareness of the nourishment, guidance, refuge and strength to be found in Him as we travel through the wilderness.