Deuteronomy 8:3
“He humbled you and let you be hungry, and fed you with manna which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that He might make you understand that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the LORD.
Our appetites are significant. We ove to eat. We center our celebrations around it. Jesus also did this with meals. Our appetites drive us. This is normal. When we’re thirsty, we will go to great lengths for water. In today’s passage, we learn about the Jews in a hunger situation. In their quest for food they learned about another appetite: the need for God’s Word.
This was an appetite that had to be acquired. In the midst of their hunger they learned to trust in God. Instead of a sloppy hunger which can make us cranky, we learn to trust Him. This applies to all our needs. One may be a yearning for peace in our jobs/school. This is an appetite that we yield to Him for assistance.
Jesus quoted this verse, “man shall not live on bread alone, but…by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of The Lord.” He was in the desert and very hungry. The devil challenged Him to turn the rocks into bread. Today’s verse was Jesus’ response. Jesus could have done that miracle. However, He was choosing to be subservient to the Father. Jesus didn’t want to alter His mission. If God provided food, He would have eaten it. He was practicing yielding to God.
It’s not wrong to attempt to satisfy our appetites/needs. However, sometimes it’s difficult to do so. I referenced having a peaceful work environment. Our usual efforts produce this. However, we’ve all had situations that we had to live with problems for a longer time period. It’s at these times we need to look to God and His Word and guidance.
Lord, thank You for Your Word and Your provisions. Help us to learn to live by them.