Jesus said, “This, then, is how you should pray: Our Father in heaven,hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done,on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." Matthew 6:9-13 NIV
Daily Bread
I went grocery shopping on Wednesday this week during the early “senior hours.” I wasn’t alone! There were a rush of seniors and those with challenging health conditions that rushed the store at 6am. There was a quiet pall over the entire humongous smile as if we were attending a funeral wake. Except the dead were walking the aisles. Actually some were actually jogging with their carts giving wide berth to other shoppers while quickly filling their carts. A smile or kind word was almost non-existent as we all seemed to breathe the air of fear. I left the store with supplemental groceries that now allow me to avoid the COVID-19 filled humanity through May! I also left sad and deeply reflective.
Oh me of little faith! (Jesus chided his disciples with that type of phrase). My own humanness was revealed stripping away the mockery of self-sufficiency. I am not in control though I try to be. My faith shown to be lacking. Faith in God was “easy” (if it ever is) as long as life is flowing smoothly with the rent paid, the bills on time, the cupboards full and a steady income stream. But now, in the face of COVID-19, fear raised its ugly head in that grocery store. Will there be enough? Will I have food and shelter one day to live out my golden years in ease? Will I be able to afford to live by June? Then I remembered the words of Jesus who taught us to pray, “Give us TODAY our daily bread.” Hey! I am alive today! I have shelter today! I am eating too much today!! There is enough for today!! I do believe in the all sufficiency of God though Jesus Christ. God’s grace is sufficient for today. Each day is a gift. I pray that God will remind each of us to celebrate the gift of each day as we pray in faith and without fear, “Give us today our daily bread.” May it be so for you!