manna mindset
enough for today
These days our culture seems obsessed with control: finances, relationships, our health, the future. We plan, predict, prepare, while believing that at some point we will have enough to feel secure. My personality type typically does not struggle with control issues…I watch my “type A” family and friends, and it just seems exhausting! But that doesn’t mean I don’t have my moments of wanting to stockpile what God has for me “in case of emergency.” The truth is, thriving doesn’t come from hoarding; it comes from trusting.
In Exodus 16, God gave manna to His people in the wilderness—just enough for today. Not tomorrow’s portion, not a week’s supply. Why? Because manna wasn’t just food; it was a spiritual discipline. It trained hearts to trust rather than cling to control. When the Israelites tried to store extra, it spoiled. God was teaching them (and us): Dependence is daily. Jesus echoes the same truth in Matthew 6:11: “Give us this day our daily bread.” Not tomorrow’s bread, not next year’s bread. Today’s bread.
God gave manna to His people in the wilderness—just enough for today.
When my oldest son was three and I was pregnant with my second son, we were in a terrible car accident. I had some bumps and bruises and my baby was okay, but my son suffered a closed-head injury. Our world stopped. His future was uncertain and we were given worst-case scenarios that continuously swam around inside my head. Could he recover from this? What would life look like for him? For us? How would I be able to take care of him and a new baby? Somehow by the grace of our wonderful Lord, a “manna mindset” took over. He spoke to me, telling me I needed to take one day at a time. Honestly, that was about all I could manage. I surrendered my thoughts, fears, and anxiety to Him every day when I awoke, and every day He had sweet manna waiting for me: peace, love, mercy, and reassurance. There were days when I truly felt carried by Him. He gave me visions of my family resting in His hand, and I felt completely surrounded by Him. It was truly the most horrible and beautiful experience at the same time.
I am happy to say my son made an amazing recovery. God showed up everywhere, and His promises to me were true. The road wasn’t always easy, and there were hurdles along the way, but His faithfulness abounded. When I get caught up in worrying about the future, this experience always comes to mind. I learned God always invites us to open our hands and receive today’s portion. Not yesterday’s leftovers. Not tomorrow’s guarantee. Just enough grace for this moment.
I learned God always invites us to open our hands and receive today’s portion.
Where are you tempted to stockpile control instead of receiving today’s portion? What would it look like to trust God with just enough for today? Let’s pray:
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for being our Provider and Sustainer. Forgive us for the times we try to hold on to control or gather more than we need out of fear or doubt. Teach us to trust You for today’s portion, just as You gave manna daily to Your people in the wilderness.
Help us release anxiety about tomorrow and rest in Your promise that Your mercies are new every morning. Remind us that You are faithful and that Your grace is sufficient for each moment. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
