Spring has returned and although a bit tardy, she is no less beautiful this year. Despite the lack of moisture, she somehow pulled herself together, got up and dressed for us. She is swathed in the tenderest shades of green with accents of pink and white she wears like clouds on her first blooming trees. No matter how long the winter, spring always shows up. Whether she has had rain or slept under a soft blanket of snow, she always has just enough, all she needs to arrive.
Throughout all the seasons, God provides enough for all our needs too. We, being human, like security; an abundant well and a full pantry with just a bit extra of what we need for good measure. Scarcity or even the threat of it frightens us. God understands what it is to be human and knows that about us. We, being human, can never understand how God works but we can always trust Him. This is one of the most fundamental yet difficult lessons in faith. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5
God provided water for His people while they wandered through the desert. When there was no food, he provided it in the form of manna but that divine provision came with an admonishment. The people were told to gather only enough for their daily needs and no more. It always proved to be exactly the right amount for each family for one entire day. They were instructed not to gather extra and keep it overnight. When they did, by morning it was full of maggots and had a terrible stench. Humans will always try to have a little cushion against hard times.
Throughout scripture, God reveals over and over just how trustworthy He is, how much He loves us and how abundant His resources are. He will always provide us with what we truly need even if we have other ideas about the way it should be. So what is the lesson here? It is a really difficult one to learn. As hard as it can be to let go of our illusion of control, God has things covered for us but we need to trust and believe. “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” Psalm 23:1
I confess I struggle with this one at times, always peering ahead to anticipate the “what-ifs”. By every standard, I am not experiencing any kind of lack or want but I still have a certain anxiety about it. Here is how I am learning to deal with uncertainty. It‘s nothing original by any means but I am trying to think manna. Think enough for one day. Think need more than want. Think, when was the last time God let me down?
Trusting and believing does require me to maintain a nearly moment to moment relationship with Him through prayer and intentions. I can do that. When that little voice suggests I have any unmet need, in my heart I say “I trust you Jesus.” And we can trust Him always. Trust conquers fear and love always wins. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not hurt you, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11