Free to Need Him
January 27, 2025
“Give us this day, our daily bread.”
Matthew 6:11 (NIV)
In 1776, our founding fathers adopted the Declaration of Independence to proclaim freedom, and as a nation we celebrate their courage But, when it comes to our relationship with God, true freedom is not independence.
Sometimes your most courageous action is to declare your dependence upon God.
In Matthew 6:9-15, Jesus teaches you how to pray through a prayer known as “The Lord’s Prayer.” Jesus’ prayer shows you how to make a declaration of dependence on God. Today’s verse reminds you just how much you need Him every moment of every day.
Jesus tells you where to begin. “Give us today our daily bread.” (Matthew 6:11, NIV) That means that you are to rely upon God for your needs. Those first two words remind you that God has what you need, and He wants to give it to you.
What kind of “bread” is Jesus talking about? In Hebrew thinking, bread was the principal food of life–indispensable for life. Bread was considered so sacred in the Ancient Near East that it was broken instead of cut because cutting bread would be like cutting life itself.
Bread represents all that is necessary to meet your needs.
Jesus says you can confidently bring your needs to God. He welcomes you to come into His presence and tell Him what you need. You can trust that God has what you need and He is generous enough to provide it.
As Jesus uses the phrase “daily bread,” He also reminds you to live for today–tomorrow’s bread will come tomorrow. God will provide what you need when you need it. You are free from past regret or anxiousness about the future–He has what you need today.
Come before your Heavenly Father and declare your dependence. When you bring your needs to God, you honor Him and receive His best. And no matter what you face today, His provision is sufficient.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, You are worthy of all praise and adoration. You are the Creator of the heavens and the earth, and yet You know and care for my every need. Thank You for inviting me to come before You with all that is in my heart. Lord, thank You for welcoming me and not shaming me for my needs. Give me today, my daily bread–everything I need to live a life that honors you. I praise You for always providing. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.