O taste and see that the LORD is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! Psalm 34:8 (NASB)
I have been doing quite a bit of reading on nutrition lately. I love to cook and never tire of learning healthier ways to make our meals. I have also been taking a few supplements to see if I would have more stamina and energy. One of the things I have learned is the nutritional quality of our food is much poorer than previously.
This got me to thinking about spiritual food and the importance of a steady diet of high quality preaching and Bible reading. Like some of you, I struggle at times with a desire to spend time in the Word and pray. Instead of going to the One who can fill my soul, I foolishly seek ways to self-feed. I want to be independent, much like the 2 year old who says to her mama, "I do it myself!" I seek out short-cuts; such as one-minute devotionals, reading brief blogs that are written by people I trust, and even perusing my Facebook page for some spiritual quip that will boost me up and make me feel good. There's really nothing wrong with those things, but a steady diet causes me to be spiritually malnourished. I find myself restless, grumpy, and unsatisfied. I may not be physically hungry, but I am spiritually starving to death.
Sometimes the wretchedness of my own soul amazes me, although it shouldn't. I have a paper Bible within reach, and a electronic one on the very devise on which I am reading one-minute devotionals and those brief blogs I was telling you about! There is no joy in my life when I am in that place of starvation. Although I know where to go, my flesh resists the humble dependence that is required to learn
When I am spiritually starving I am soon only thinking of myself. Life becomes focused on my needs, my feelings, my wants, all that I don't have and think I deserve. Because I am thinking of me, I stop being sensitive to the other people in my life. A starving person does not think clearly. Part of the delusion that comes with spiritual starvation is that I can continue on with this as a way of life.
"Who will rescue me from this body of death?" Romans 7:24
When I sit down with the Bible and immerse myself in His Word I can tell my soul is immediately sated and my spirit comes alive. His words comfort my weary and battle worn heart. His truth reorients me and my conscience is convicted of my sinful independence. Joy is restored as I enter into obedience once again.
If you are starving you can by grace come to the feast and receive all that you will ever need for life and godliness. The entrance to the banquet hall is only through the gospel that teaches us that the penalty for our sin has been paid by the sacrificial death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Only those in Christ have been given the right to sit at this table. Those who have gained a seat at the feast and have stopped rejoicing in the blessing, I encourage you to repent of your thanklessness and return once again to your first love. Immerse yourself in His Word and in prayer, confess your sin of pride and revive your joy!