Give us this day our daily bread, Matthew 6:11
How often do you get hungry each day? Likely about 3-4 times before each meal or have a late night snack. In our society with readily available and inexpensive food, we don’t often know what real hunger is like. If you have ever gone a few hours longer than you typically eat, you may feel your hunger increase a bit and get more anxious to get some food in your belly, but that’s not the same as going days without food. It is estimated that 13 percent of households in the USA experienced food insecurity last year, where at least once they had trouble providing enough food for everyone in their family. Can you remember a time when you were young where you went without, or got by on less than normal, but if anything like my mother, she made sure our large family got something to eat for every meal. Maybe you do the same with your family now? Have you ever intentionally given up a meal regularly for Lent or even fasted on a longer term for spiritual reasons? There is value in reminding your body of the One who truly sustains it.
But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4
Would you say the same for how often you crave the Word of God? Its likely less often, but surely there are times on a weekly or monthly basis where your soul feels the need or even a hunger to heat the Word? It may not be the same as the physical pangs you get when a regular mealtime approaches, but maybe you are reminded of a scripture you heard, or want to read a story you recalled for some reason. Every time we spend time and consume His Word, our bodies and souls get fed with something that will not dissipate as quickly as the foods we put in our mouths. May you feed on His Word and be satisfied as often as your stomach reminds you of your physical hunger!
Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal. John 6:27
Yours in Christ,
Clark
