We are experiencing a difficult period in the history of this country. Millions of people are losing their jobs and there is widespread fear. Those who still have jobs are wondering--am I next? Those who have lost their job are wondering about paying bills and putting food on the table.
In the Lord's Prayer, we are told to pray, "Give us this day our daily bread." We are not told to ask for next week's bread or even tomorrow's --just today. In other words, we are told to live in the moment, to focus on the present, and to have faith.
As I think back in my own life, I have to admit that I was always provided for; my needs were met, even at times when I was struggling and did not have the strongest faith. And yet, still I worried. It never helped. It made me lose sleep and left my stomach in knots.
I've finally learned to focus more of my attention on the present and to be grateful for what I have right now. I always have more than I realize. My greatest gifts are love and faith. And I can give love away right and left and never run out. My faith is that sustaining strength and knowing within me that no matter what the appearances may be, there is a greater good unfolding that I may not see or understand, but that will be at some point be revealed. It has always been that way, I see now in hindsight, with many years of experience from which to draw.
This is a time of challenge for all of us. It is a time when our faith is tested. Do we buy into the appearances of lack, loss, and limitation? Do we live in fear wondering where our next month's rent will come from? Or do we believe that God's abundance is still everywhere present and that regardless of appearances, we are in the flow of universal substance and abundantly provided for at every moment? Can we say, "Give us this day our daily bread," and then say, "thank you" resting in the assurance that we are provided with all that we need?
