More Than Crumbs

More than Crumbs

Tracie Miles

As I sat on the beach enjoying the sunrise, I watched a few seagulls wander aimlessly, looking lost and confused. I wondered why there were so few in a place where there are normally multiple flocks that swarm overhead filling the air with screeching cries.

Then I realized they had no reason to be on the beach, much less to be excited or active. There were no people around to generate crumbs.

I’m pretty sure seagulls can smell potato chip crumbs a mile away. They stay at a distance until they think someone has something they want. Then they come running, or should I say dive bombing. Even if no birds are in sight, one tiny crumb falls on the sand and suddenly dozens of seagulls swoop down out of nowhere.

Memories of hungry seagulls interrupting our picnics at the beach made me chuckle until I felt God whisper to my spirit: Sometimes, Tracie, you are just like those seagulls.

In Matthew 6, Jesus teaches His disciples how to pray, in what is commonly referred to as the Lord’s Prayer. This devotion’s key verse is taken from the middle of the Lord’s Prayer. In it, Jesus reminds His disciples to stay in close union with Him through prayer, because He knows they need the spiritual nourishment and physical necessities only He can provide. Jesus calls His disciples to seek Him and trust His provision for their daily needs.

Unfortunately, there are times I don’t follow this wisdom and instruction. I may go days or weeks, aimlessly wandering like those seagulls on a deserted beach—flying through my tasks and routines, without consciously seeking God.

But as soon as something happens that makes me mad, sad, worried, frustrated, discouraged, or stressed, I fly straight to God. Swooping in out of nowhere, I dive-bomb into His presence. Expectantly, I wait for Him to give me a profound thought or an answer to prayer. In essence, to toss me some crumbs of spiritual encouragement.

Unlike a seagull who seeks temporary satisfaction from random crumbs, I want to be consumed with a spiritual hunger that’s never satisfied. A hunger that pains me if I fail to get a daily portion of God’s wisdom, love, and guidance. A hunger that, when met, replaces my discouragement, worry, and stress.

I don’t want to live with a seagull mentality, being satisfied with mere crumbs. Instead, I want to enjoy the fullness of God’s presence and a constant supply of His Word each and every day. What about you?

Dear Lord, forgive me for not seeking You daily. I ask for Your physical provision and spiritual nourishment to get me through every day. Help me to develop an insatiable desire for Your Word and to spend time with You in prayer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

REMEMBER

God’s Word sustains you and keeps you spiritually nourished so you will have the trusting faith and spiritual energy to handle life’s adversities.

REFLECT

In what ways do you tend to have a “seagull mentality”?

RESPOND

Make a commitment to set your alarm clock thirty minutes earlier tomorrow, and begin forming a habit of spending time in God’s Word every morning.

POWER VERSES

Matthew 6:26; Psalm 73:26