In this bad economy we are experiencing, there is a tendency to be anxious and fearful of having enough. We think back on Jesus' words in the Sermon on the Mount that God will feed us, but we are so used to trusting in ourselves for groceries, and also eating more food than we actually need.
© 2009 Donna L. Watkins - Buff-rumped Warbler - La Selva Biological Station - Costa Rica
Psalm 104:10-12
"You make springs to gush forth in the valleys; they flow between the hills, giving drink to every wild animal; the wild asses quench their thirst. By the streams the birds of the air have their habitation; they sing among the branches."
Psalm 104:21 and 27
"The young lions roar for their prey, seeking their food from God .. These all look to you to give them their food in due season."
God provides for His Creation. In an era when we are destroying the rainforest to fulfill the demand for America's fast food burgers, it is comforting to know that the wild animals that survive are being cared for by God, while most of us have no thought of stewardship of the earth. Meat was not in the daily diet in Bible times except for the houses of kings. The word meat was used to refer to food in general.
Genesis 1:29
"And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat."
Bad times can produce good things in our lives. Take an assessment of your grocery budget and other expenses to use the tough times to build more discipline and self-control into your character. Those traits will serve you well in many areas of life. There are resources online for budgeting to know what percentage of your income should be spent on food, housing, autos, etc.
Matthew 6:26
"Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?"
Jesus emphasized in many ways that we are not to worry about our daily provision, but sometimes our craving for things and food misuse those provisions and then we believe that God doesn't provide. It's not a good testimony for our own thoughts, nor is it a testimony for unbelievers to see God providing for those who trust in Him.
Schedule a time to discuss this with yourself or your spouse. Pray and seek the Lord for His direction. We can be an example of God's provision during good and bad times. Israel could've been a picture of God's provision, but they only grumbled wanting more no matter what miracles God showed them. That generation had to die in the desert because of their rebellion.
If you feel like you're dying in the desert, maybe it's time to reevaluate your lifestyle and desires. You have the Promised Land before you. Will you walk towards it or remain in the wilderness of being controlled by your feelings?
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