Nehemiah 9:15 “You gave them bread from heaven for their hunger, and brought them water out of the rock for their thirst, and told them to go in to possess the land Which You had sworn to give them.”
Nehemiah 9 recounts the history of Israel and tells of how God miraculously brought His people out of the bondage of Egypt to bring them to the promised land. Verse after verse tells of God’s work on their behalf. Notice verses 9 through 12. Neh. 9:9 says, “You saw the affliction of our fathers in Egypt. You heard their cry by the Red Sea.10 You showed signs and wonders against Pharaoh, against all his servants, and against all the people of his land. For You knew that they acted proudly against them. So You made a name for Yourself, as it is this day. 11 And You divided the sea before them so that they went through the midst of the sea on the dry land; And their persecutors You threw into the deep, as a stone into the mighty waters. 12 Moreover You led them by day with a cloudy pillar, And by night with a pillar of fire, To give them light on the road Which they should travel.”
Now we come to verse 15, where it recounts how God miraculously provided bread and water, bread for their hunger and water for their thirst. He took care of their basic needs.
Two passages of Scripture come to mind as I ponder on Nehemiah 9:15. First is Psalm 23. Do you recall the first two verses? Psalm 23:1 says, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures: (He provided food for the hungry sheep) He leads me beside the still waters. (He provides water for the thirsty sheep).
The second passage comes from the middle of the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus tells us to not worry. What did He tell us to not worry about? Matthew 6:25a says, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink.” The first two essentials of life are food and water, and Jesus says to not worry, to not let it control and consume your every thought. As God takes care of the birds He will provide for you. (Matt. 6:26) Earlier He had taught in the sermon how to pray and part of the prayer was to ASK Him to provide one’s DAILY bread.
As you consider your journey with the Lord how has He been your provider? How has He provided for you the basics of life? Do you recognize how blessed you are? I would say we do not need to wait until a day called Thanksgiving Day to express our gratitude. Each meal should bring gratitude and praise to God for He is our great provider.
Sept. 15 (9/15) does have another verse that reminds us of God’s greatest provision. 2 Corinthians 9:15 says, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” I trust you have received the gift of salvation and are giving thanks to Him, thanks for the indescribable salvation we enjoy and the indescribable Savior we have.
Continue strong with gratitude for God’s provisions,
And remember to DATE The Word