Never Take Manna for Granted
Miriam Sander of Rockwood, TN, USA
Deceit is in the mind of those who plan evil,
but those who counsel peace have joy. -Proverbs 12:20
“Heaven help me should I ever take this for granted,” I thought to myself as I took the final bites of the finale of a seven-course meal. I was finally eating the meal I had booked long in advance. Should I return, my chances of getting back to this restaurant anytime soon were minimal. I certainly would not have a five-star chef personally visit my table before I returned. I wanted to savor not just the food but also the moment. Some things, like my once-in-a-lifetime (for me) meal, should never be taken for granted. Yet, it happens.
Imagine a chef bringing you a delightful loaf of bread; each bite melts in your mouth. Your senses light up. The smell is incredible. The taste is delectable. Sweet hints of heaven’s goodness please your tongue as you realize the king of the universe, God himself, prepared this for you. You never had to book appointments months ahead. You only had to wake up and manna from heaven poured right to the breadbasket on your front porch. These things don’t happen. They’re not mundane experiences. I can say I’ve never needed a manna umbrella.
However, after years of their wilderness journey, the Israelites were done with manna. They were ready for their other courses. They murmured and complained even though every morning they experienced miracles others have never seen.
Miracles are only as good as our appreciation of them. The things we once prayed and thanked God for can begin to feel stagnant when we lose our appreciation for them. Today, I want to challenge you to recognize beauty and resist complacent attitudes towards God’s provisions. Take time to savor God’s love and gifts given to you.
Lord, help us never take our manna for granted.
Prayer Phrase
Help us see beyond our dark places and find our way closer to your loving light.
Spiritual Practice
Healing for Broken Spirits
Begin with quiet prayer. Ask God to help you detect some “sore places” in the body of Christ and God’s creation. Become aware of people who feel separated, wounded, or left out. Reflect on or write a short journal entry of healing words to at least one person who comes to mind. Ask God for words that will touch this person’s broken spirit like healing ointment. Keep this person in your heart and prayers today and act on any ideas that come to bring blessing and wholeness.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
