Psalm 78:23 So he commanded the skies above
and opened the doors of heaven.
24 He rained down man on them as food;
he gave them grain from heaven —
25 mortals ate the bread of angels;
he provided for them to the full.
26 He stirred up the east wind in heaven,
brought on the south wind by his power,
27 and rained down meat on them like dust,
birds flying thick as the sand on the seashore.
28 He let them fall in the middle of their camp,
all around their tents.
29 So they ate till they were satisfied;
he gave them what they craved. (Complete Jewish Bible).
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Psalm 78 speaks of the power of God to provide. God is with the Hebrew people as they wander in the wilderness, providing in abundance not only bread from heaven but also meat. We hear that God provides not only for their needs but also for their delight: "They ate and were well filled, for God gave them what they craved." When we view the world through a lens of abundance, we see that there is enough for all. We are free to enjoy life, and we are free to share without counting the cost. Eating a meal with beloved friends or family is one of life's greatest delights. Sharing a meal meets our physical needs, but also our spiritual needs for community. Eating delicious food with others can give us joy and a sense of abundance that points to something beyond ourselves. It reminds us of how God provides more than enough. It reminds us of how God provides for our cravings--and for our delights as well.
Take a breath with each prayer affirmation:
There is enough. I am enough. I will trust God to provide for my needs and my delight. Amen.
Jamie Brieske '14
Pastor, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Eau Claire, Wisc.
Psalm 78:23 Yet he commanded the skies above,
and opened the doors of heaven;
24 he rained down on them manna to eat,
and gave them the grain of heaven.
25 Mortals ate of the bread of angels;
he sent them food in abundance.
26 He caused the east wind to blow in the heavens,
and by his power he led out the south wind;
27 he rained flesh upon them like dust,
winged birds like the sand of the seas;
28 he let them fall within their camp,
all around their dwellings.
29 And they ate and were well filled,
for he gave them what they craved. (New Revised Standard Version).
and opened the doors of heaven;
24 he rained down on them manna to eat,
and gave them the grain of heaven.
25 Mortals ate of the bread of angels;
he sent them food in abundance.
26 He caused the east wind to blow in the heavens,
and by his power he led out the south wind;
27 he rained flesh upon them like dust,
winged birds like the sand of the seas;
28 he let them fall within their camp,
all around their dwellings.
29 And they ate and were well filled,
for he gave them what they craved. (New Revised Standard Version).
The Luther Seminary
2481 Como Avenue
Saint Paul, Minnesota, 55108, United States
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