How to read the gas meter?
Yes, it should be that simple.  My first guess would be that you have a typo or a misreading, and that yesterday it showed 4814.

If true, from the meter shown that would be a change of around 300 cubic feet, or about 3 therms.  You can check your gas bill to see how many therms per month you are averaging.  During my peak heating days, I can use that much, so it's not unreasonable.

For the meter to record 10000 cubic feet change in a day (or to run backward) is unreasonable.  If you can confirm such a change is really indicated on the dial, you should contact the utility.

The dials for the one shown will indicate usage less than 100 cubic feet.  If you're just recording long-term usage, you can ignore them.  Under light usage, you might need them to see a daily difference.