Our Daily Bread

So when things get too tough, you start to see the advantage of the simple life. You look longingly at the guy who has time to take his kids to the park. You see the couple taking a walk together, and you remember when you used to make time for those things, too. In everyone’s life there was a time when things were simple. When you didn’t have much money, but didn’t have many bills either; when you looked forward to your weekend because you actually relaxed on it; when you took pride in eating on your measly budget and relished those macaroni and cheese dinners more than you enjoy an expensive restaurant now. So is the answer to be young and broke again?

When Jesus taught his disciples to pray, He said: “Give us each day our daily bread.” (Luke 11:3) There is much wisdom in that prayer. You aren’t praying, “Give me more bread than yesterday,” or “For tomorrow, I’d prefer something different.” The prayer is for just enough for the day you are in. It doesn’t mean that you don’t plan for the future. Of course, we all must plan for the future! However, Jesus knew that the most important time we have is now. A simple lifestyle is one that looks at today, appreciates the present, and trusts God for the future. A simple lifestyle isn’t longing for more, it is thankful for what it has! Paul put it this way: “...for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” (Phil. 4:11) Life can throw good and bad at us. We aren’t truly happy if circumstances can change our outlook. If I’m only happy when I have the latest gadget or live in the biggest house, I will never be happy. There is always a Jones out there who has more. Besides, life is a rollercoaster ride, taking us up and dropping us down. Tough times come, whether we plan for them or not. However, if we can learn to be content, that rollercoaster doesn’t have to shake us too much. Paul added: “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” (Phil. 4:12) Money comes and money goes. The wisest person doesn’t pray for wealth, but for contentment.

Money does not equal happiness. Of course, our society would have us believe that happiness can be purchased. It tells us that happy people have the nicest cars, homes and clothes. They vacation in tropical paradises and hobnob with the social elite. But the Bible says something different: “The sleep of a laborer is sweet, whether he eats little or much, but the abundance of a rich man permits him no sleep.” (Eccl. 5:12) It is not money that allows you to rest easy, it is a good work ethic, a solid character…faith in God!

When we pray for our daily bread and leave the rest to God, we find that we are less selfish. We only ask for what we need: the bread for the day. We don’t ask for things simply because we want them for entertainment. We don’t ask for things in order to make ourselves look better than everyone else. When we are content with what we have, that overpowering passion to possess more and more is curbed, and we are left with peace. We suddenly see the difference between needs and wants.