Daily Bread & Eternal Trust

We are so like the Israelites. Just when we get what we want, we decide that we want more. The Israelites have been saved from slavery and then God brought them through the sea, and now they're complaining again. God again provided what they need, but they do have to follow some rules. They were only to gather what they needed for the day and on the sixth day they collected enough for the Sabbath. What they gathered was measured so that each had what they needed and no one had more. They were instructed not to save some for the next day and, of course, there were those who didn't follow instructions and what they saved became foul. On the sixth day, they could prepare enough for the next day so that the Sabbath could be a holy day dedicated to Yahweh.

Let's think deeply about this: can we call it greed? Some may call it wisdom, saving up for a rainy day. What we call it, it reflects doubt on Gods ability to provide. It also reflects more trust in ourselves over God and in fact the continuous tension between human self-sufficiency and divine dependence.

In Psalm 91 ver 4 we read about God's truth. Those words have become jargon now - we recite them without understanding what they mean and therefore not practising them

Psalm 91:4 states: "He shall cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler."

The phrase "His truth" in this verse refers to God's faithfulness and reliability. It's not just about propositional truths or facts, but about the consistent and unwavering nature of God's character and His promises.

Here's a breakdown of what "God's truth" signifies in this context:

- God's Faithfulness (Ammittô): Many translations, like the NIV, NLT, and ESV, render "truth" as "faithfulness" or "faithful promises." The Hebrew word for "truth" here, 'ămittô, can indeed encompass the idea of dependability and constancy. It means that God is true to His word, true to His nature, and true to His covenant with His people. He can be trusted completely.

- God's Word and Promises: His truth is embodied in His declarations, His commands, and the promises He has made to those who trust in Him. These promises are not empty words but are firm and reliable.

- A Protective Force: The verse uses the imagery of a "shield and buckler." A shield (a large defensive weapon) and a buckler (a smaller, round shield) were used for protection in battle. In this metaphor, God's faithfulness acts as a strong, impenetrable defense against all dangers, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. It's His consistent character that provides security.

In essence, "God's truth" in Psalm 91:4 means that because God is utterly faithful and true to His promises, He will consistently provide protection and refuge for those who trust in Him. Just as a bird shelters its young under its wings, God's unwavering faithfulness is our ultimate defense and source of security.

In God's equation, greed and total dependence on our own abilities, riches or provisions, does not fit, and our life choices and actions need to bear out that truth.