Weariness is a shared experience that we all relate to. The anxieties wash over us daily concerning the to-do list of tomorrow, next week, or next year. We struggle to find the time, energy, or money to accomplish all the things required of us. In our Western culture, we are quick to brush God aside and assume responsibility for solving every problem and finding a solution for every roadblock. God never intended it to be this way. 

In the book of Exodus, the Israelites are on a journey in the desert. God has delivered them from their enemies and provided for them consistently, but still, they lack faith. God comes through yet again, delivering food to their doorsteps, this time in the form of manna. 

He tells the Israelites not to save any manna till the morning. The Israelites don’t heed these words. Some of them leave their leftovers overnight, and it ruins. God is teaching them to fully trust Him, not rely on their own wits or strength for survival, but to rely on their creator. He wants them to remember that He is sufficient to meet all their needs daily. 

Exodus 16:14-21

“And when the dew had gone up, there was on the face of the wilderness a fine, flake-like thing, fine as frost on the ground. When the people of Israel saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. And Moses said to them, “It is the bread that the Lord has given you to eat. This is what the Lord has commanded: ‘Gather of it, each one of you, as much as he can eat. You shall each take an omer, according to the number of the persons that each of you has in his tent.’” And the people of Israel did so. They gathered, some more, some less. But when they measured it with an omer, whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack. Each of them gathered as much as he could eat. And Moses said to them, “Let no one leave any of it over till the morning.”  But they did not listen to Moses. Some left part of it till the morning, and it bred worms and stank. And Moses was angry with them.  Morning by morning they gathered it, each as much as he could eat; but when the sun grew hot, it melted.”

How often are we like the Israelites? How often do we stress over our problems instead of giving them to God daily? His provision, His mercy, His grace, they are enough for each day. 

The next time you feel overwhelmed by the weight of the day, the tasks on your list, or this season of struggle, remember the Israelites. Remember the manna. Remember that your creator is sufficient to carry you through today.