Deuteronomy 8:3 –
<3> Yes, he humbled you by letting you go hungry and then feeding you with manna, a food previously unknown to you and your ancestors. He did it to teach you that people do not live by bread alone; rather, we live by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.
The key to this chapter is here in these two verses. Moses is reminding us that the Lord is the provider of all things, so we do not become proud. We can also look at few other verses to emphasize the reliance we have on God and how we need to humble ourselves. Verse 11 makes sure that in the Good Times we do not forget God. Verse 17 focuses on not boasting of one’s accomplishments. As you read this chapter focus not on the nation of Israel, but your own life with Jesus.
I know it’s not as easy “today” to make the connection to God. Really with the Israelites they were having problems after seeing plagues in Egypt, the Red Sea part, manna from heaven and water from a rock. How can we expect strong faith with our miracles being explained away by science or probability? I mean when you are backed up to a large body of water and then you can walk across it, that is easy to point to God, but even miraculous healings get explained away these days.
So this verse really embodies the chapter. It first says how he humbled the Israelites, and we can relate to that from time to time in our lives. Then it talks about the miracles in their lives and how to honor God. Do we honor God when good things happen? Finally the pivotal line which really should shape your entire life … man cannot live on bread alone, but on the word of God! How many times have you heard that?
Think about it as what you should be doing, instead of sleeping in every morning, use the early time to sit and read with God. Or in the evening don’t watch mindless TV show, but read the Bible and pray. Dive into the word of God and study it with passion. From there you will learn of life and the many avenues to peace. As you read more and more you will suddenly make the connections that others call contradictions. Your view of God become clearer, and will expand each day you focus on Him!