7-9 And then he prayed, “God, I’m asking for two things
before I die; don’t refuse me—
Banish lies from my lips
and liars from my presence.
Give me enough food to live on,
neither too much nor too little.
If I’m too full, I might get independent,
saying, ‘God? Who needs him?’
If I’m poor, I might steal
and dishonor the name of my God.” (MSG)
I was reading through the other day and came across this passage I have read many times before. But, this time it stood out, blaring like a referees whistle. What an amazing prayer for the follower of Jesus.
This passage is intertwined in my mind with God’s promise to “meet our daily needs.” We so often want the security of MORE than our daily bread. I know I am the type who wants to know my bread is already stocked for tomorrow. So I plan and work to that end. Don’t we all? Isn’t this human nature? To secure our own nest egg through planning and saving so we can enjoy “peace of mind.”
I know people all agree to disagree when it comes to planning your money and for retirement. There are as many theories on it as there are people it seems. But is there any real formula to it? We got his plan or her plan, this formula and that one, but what about God? What about the Holy Spirit?
I think these verses show the heart of a man truly after Gods own heart. First there is the request for lies to be banned from both his lips and presence. Integrity! Next is this prayer for “just enough.” Why? Because if I have too much, I may see myself as independent and say “Who needs God?’ and if I have too little, I may do something that would dishonor God.
SO the writer ask for what God has promised already! Daily bread. So that he could remember his place and also not be tempted to dishonor his King!
Oh that we would be a people who seek God for what we need today and today only! To trust Him for our every need knowing He will supply! To be as Paul, “Actually, I don’t have a sense of needing anything personally. I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.” (Phil 4:11-12)
p.s. Isn’t it ironic? We strive for security, working our hands to the nubs to make it on our own, when true security is found in resting in Him and His promises?