“You might be turning over every rock to find some relief. You might be hungering and thirsting for something that will last in a world where it feels like everything is fleeting. we all have something we want. We all hunger.”- Meredith McDaniel (emphasis author’s)
Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea and they went into the Desert of Shur. For three days they traveled in the desert without finding water. When they came to Marah, they could not drink the water because it was bitter. So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, ‘What are we to drink?’ “- Exodus 15:22-24 (NIV)
Section 7 ( “Bread + Water: I am filled”) of In Want + Plenty consists of Chapters 13 and 14. In Chapter 13, Meredith McDaniel notes that we, like the children of Israel, quickly complain out of desperation when we’re unsure our basic needs will be met. As a result, the way we feel erodes our memories of God’s past faithfulness.
Furthermore, Meredith reminds us, the word manna simply means ‘what is it?’ Hence, we realize that God’s provision is full of mystery. Also, His provision requires an element of trust that we sometimes balk at leaning into.
In addition, the Exodus story provides a glimpse into how the Israelites felt holding God’s tangible provision in their hands. We can only imagine what that experience felt like. And, Meredith adds, “In our humanity our trust expands when we can hold on to what we have been hoping for.”
In conclusion, Meredith counsels, the first thing we need to do when we attempt a temporal solution to our cravings involves going beneath the surface. And ask this question: What do I really want? In the author’s experience, there’s always one resounding answer. To be accepted and known and loved as I am.
Today’s question: What situations find you turning over every rock to find some relief? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Magic want – wave it to fix everything?”
