Nov 5/18 - - Matthew 6:11 - - Daily bread from heaven

Give us today our daily bread.

Matthew 6:11 NIV

Q. 104 What do we pray for in the fourth petition?

A. In the fourth petition (which is, Give us this day our daily bread) we pray, that of God's free gift we may receive a competent portion of the good things of this life, and enjoy his blessing with them.

Westminster Shorter Catechism

It does not take very much imagination to realize how shakey our finances actually are. One huge stock market crash can wipe out billions of dollars. The loss of a job and finances become precarious. A hike in interest rates unexpectedly makes a mortgage payment nearly impossible to maintain. Sudden illness and medications wipe out savings.

This simple petition from the Lord's Prayer reminds us that we are utterly dependent on God. In Christ, God becomes the Father, Who shows us mercy. He is our Father Who gives every good gift. Food. Clothing. Shelter. Our basic physical needs. We also believe plenty and poverty come from His hand as well. In fact, all things work together for in our lives so that we will be humbled and by the Spirit of God turn to Him for all things we need.

It is interesting to be in my mid-fifties and to be learning this truth all over again. As many of you know I have changed denominations. For more than 20 years I was a minister in the Christian Reformed Church in North America. Now I am in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. So, as I worked to be recognized as a minister in the ARP I have been jobless at times, and now under-employed, for three years. In all this time, I have learned once again, with humble thanks, the power of turning to God and asking Him for my daily needs. I have learned to give thanks for a wonderful wife who stands by me through all the vicissitudes of our life.

Faithful Father in heaven. Give me this day, my daily bread. Spirit of the Living God, teach me to find in Christ my highest joy and greatest peace. Spirit of God, in plenty and in poverty, anchor my soul in heaven, where Christ is seated, at the Father's right hand. Thank You, Mighty God, for all the blessings of this day. In Jesus' Great Name, Amen.