“Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.”
Proverbs 30:8
Do you pray for riches? Many people do. Have you ever prayed for poverty? Probably not. Yet both can be a danger to our relationship with God. Think about it. When in need, we may be tempted to cheat, lie, and steal. On the other hand, if we have gained even a small measure of wealth, we face temptations like greed, gluttony, and self-reliance (see Proverbs 30:9).
All of these behaviors are sinful before the Lord. But the underlying issues that drive them are worthy of attention: a failure to trust God for every need, and the belief that our physical needs are greater than our need for God Himself.
This is why Jesus taught His disciples to pray for daily bread (see Luke 11:3). In this way we learn, by daily repetition, that He alone is our faithful provider. Hopefully, this leads us into the deeper lesson that our greatest need is not for physical but spiritual food. Jesus says that He, the Son of God, is the spiritual food we need. He is true bread and true drink. If we do not feed on Him today, we will go hungry.
All of these behaviors are sinful before the Lord. But the underlying issues that drive them are worthy of attention: a failure to trust God for every need, and the belief that our physical needs are greater than our need for God Himself.
This is why Jesus taught His disciples to pray for daily bread (see Luke 11:3). In this way we learn, by daily repetition, that He alone is our faithful provider. Hopefully, this leads us into the deeper lesson that our greatest need is not for physical but spiritual food. Jesus says that He, the Son of God, is the spiritual food we need. He is true bread and true drink. If we do not feed on Him today, we will go hungry.
Scripture Focus
Proverbs 30:7-9
Insight
One of the best antidotes to greed and self-reliance is generosity. How is your relationship with God right now in the area of giving?
Bible In A Year
- Isaiah 1-2
- Psalm 73
- John 13
