“Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty”. (John 6:35, NIV)

     Following World War II, the allied forces discovered that many children had been left hungry and homeless. Children of all ages were gathered into camps where they received care, food, and medical attention. All their needs were met, yet few of the children slept well. They appeared agitated and anxious.

     Subsequently, an idea came to an attending psychologist. As the children were put to bed, each of them received a slice of bread to hold. When they requested more to eat, additional food was provided. However, this lone slice was to be held, not eaten.

     Ironically, the bread slice revealed remarkable results. Most of the children slept soundly. They fell asleep unconsciously believing they would have something to eat the next day. The assurance provided by the bread gave each child a sense of calm and peaceful rest.

     Jesus made the claim of being the Bread of Life. Jesus’ assertion was a reference to the manna eaten by the Hebrew people who wandered in the wilderness for forty years. Each morning, God provided manna, a flaky bread-like substance with a taste of honey.

     God instructed the Hebrews to collect only enough provision the day. No one was permitted to stockpile any manna for future use. The people were asked to trust that God would provide for them one day at a time.

     Jesus asks that we do the same. Especially during seasons of anxiety Jesus asks that we hold onto his promise to provide for our needs each day. Rather than stockpiling and clinging to the meager slices of bread we think will guarantee our future, Jesus encourages each of us to trust him.

     Of course, wisdom dictates that saving for a rainy day is a prudent practice. Having money in the bank or a generator set aside for a power outage or an additional helping of food in case your children bring a friend home for dinner are smart actions to take in an unpredictable world.

     However, there are some resources that cannot be amassed for future use. Hope, encouragement, courage are commodities that God gives on an as needed basis. So, too are such virtues as patience, wisdom, confidence, fortitude, peace, joy, and faith.

        Those who are familiar with the Serenity Prayer understand well the need to live one day at a time:

            God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,

            Courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.

            Living one day at a time; enjoying one moment at a time;

            Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;

            Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it.

            Trusting that He will make all things right, if I surrender to His Will,

            So that I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him

            Forever and ever in the next. Amen.