“Those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.” — Psalm 34:10 (ESV)
Have you ever noticed how easily our focus can drift from God Himself to what we hope He will do for us, and how devotion can quietly give way to expectation? Without much warning, our hearts can move from worship to wanting. When that happens, concern for provision often becomes the loudest voice in our lives. Our prayers begin to lean toward outcomes, solutions, and security. Almost without realizing it, we start measuring faithfulness by results and seeking the gift more than the Giver. Scripture gently redirects us to a better posture, reminding us that when we seek the Lord first, provision flows from relationship.
The wilderness account of manna helps us see this struggle clearly.
After their deliverance from Egypt, the Israelites entered a season shaped by both freedom and uncertainty. They were no longer enslaved to Pharaoh, but they were not yet settled in the Promised Land. With no visible means of survival, God met them each day with exactly what they needed. Every morning, bread appeared on the ground. It was not planted, earned, or stored. It was simply given.
Scripture tells us that God instructed them to gather only what was needed for that day.
“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day.’” — Exodus 16:4 (NIV)
The manna was real food and genuine provision, but it was never meant to become their ultimate pursuit. God was faithful to feed His people, yet He was equally committed to shaping their hearts. Daily dependence was not a sign of weakness. It was an intentional part of their story, carefully designed by their Provider.
The same tension the Israelites faced remains for us. If we aren’t carefully, the search for provision can slowly take center stage. Gathering and guarding what we have can begin to shape our decisions. Over time, provision can replace presence if we are not attentive.
This wilderness story offers us a gentle reminder: God never intended His provision to overshadow who He is. What He provides is temporal, but the Provider Himself is eternal!
Just as manna was given daily, God calls His people to wake up each morning looking to Him, not to yesterday’s supply or tomorrow’s fears. When we seek the Lord first, we learn that He is faithful to provide according to His wisdom and timing.
So here’s my challenge for you today: Learn to receive God’s provision with gratitude, while keeping your heart fixed on Him. Always seek the Provider over the provision.
Today’s Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your faithful and generous care in my life. Shape my heart to seek You above all else. Teach me to trust You one day at a time, receiving Your provision with gratitude while keeping my devotion centered on You. Help me to rest in the steady truth that You are faithful and eternal. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Provision can replace presence. I like that and we truly must guard our hearts against it happening. Thank you for this message. God bless.
The manna was not planted, earned, or stored… simply given! What a picture of the grace of God! He gives generously to us not because of something we have done, but because that is who He is. Something to remember as we trust in Him!
Great reminder as always. So enjoy your posts. Years ago I heard Peter Lord (spirit filled Southrrn Baptist Pastor) say, we should “seek His Face more than we seek His Hands”! So true! It’s hard to spend time in His Presence just being intimate in worship, when as a Pastor, I’m so often interceding for needs in the church family. However, the “manna times” when we come to His table and enjoy the taste of His Love and Grace is so pleasant. I’ve heard that the manna tasted like roasted grains, drizzled with honey. I can imagine that better by saying “the manna of His Presence is like a hot yeast roll dripping with butter and warm honey!” My sermon series last month dealt with the Rewards in The Secret Place. Much the same as your post…such a great confirmation that Holy Spirit is drawing us all into the Secret Place of His Love, for rich new taste of His Manna!
https://podpoint.com/christian-assembly-upstate-podcast/reward-in-the-secret-place-part-3-seeking-his-face#