New Manna

Moses led God's people around a desert for 40 years; without getting into specifics we can all agree (I hope) that this was a miraculous account! Regardless of how they may have felt about it at the time, God provided for these people in a place that was empty for years. They didn't go through towns to buy new clothes or grocery shop once a month... they relied on God - quite frankly, because they had no other choice.

While there are many things that could be said about this time, I want to specifically look into the manna He provided for them each morning (Exodus 16:12-15). After all, it relates to us today!

God has promises us new mercies every morning:

The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease,
For His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
-Lamentations 3:22-23 (NASB)

As our great God provided the children of Israel fresh manna every morning, He provides for us.

Think about manna for a moment. Between this and quail, it was all the food that God gave... it had everything that was necessary to keep someone not just alive, but healthy! All the proteins, nutrients, and even vitamins that were needed!

How amazing to think that God also provides us anew every morning. When we awake and earnestly seek to know Him more, even just to spend some time with Him -- He will be there to provide. Just as He provided exactly what families needed for the day (Exodus 16:16-18), God provides us with exactly what we need for our day! Whether it's a particular word, an encouraging scripture, or a new song; often though, it's simply a refreshing. Sitting with Him and letting go of yesterday.

Sometimes it takes a bit of work. Consider those who were able and did not get up to seek His bread before it was gone... well, I'm sure they went hungry for the day and had to struggle with moods and weariness - as we do when we're hungry. After all, their neighbors only had enough for their family to eat (Abba is not into gluttony despite what America might think...). I don't know anyone who eats one day and then wakes up the next believing that the meals from the day before will be all they need in getting through this new day. How do we expect to live off of God's mercies of yesterday? In fact, why would we WANT to?

Tell me... would you prefer a stale sandwich that had been left out overnight? Or one that had the freshest cold-cuts on bread right from the oven? That's what I thought.We must seek Him daily for new mercies! It's vital for us. Remember that whenever His people attempted to use what He provided for the day before... it rotted: Exodus 16:19-20.

If all you might hear in this post is that last part... I praise God! I believe that is the most important point in what He showed me... that we cannot rely on yesterday's mercies. God provides fresh manna for us every morning and exactly how much we need to not just get through the day, but conquer it for His glory! Hallelujah!

Be encouraged! For Abba is doing something new!

"Behold, I will do something new,
Now it will spring forth;
Will you not be aware of it?
I will even make a roadway in the wilderness,
Rivers in the desert."
- Isaiah 43:19 (NASB)