VALGOOD

Psalm 17:14 b “You still the hunger of those You cherish; their sons have plenty, and they store up wealth for their children.”

Lately in my quiet time with the Lord, I’m realizing how I have sought satisfaction from food. I didn’t use to believe it when I’d hear people say that overweight people were eating to fulfill their inner desires, etc. I would think “No, I eat because I’m hungry.” But, my recent Bible study challenged me to fast. And I realized that I eat many times when I’m not truly physically hungry. Instead, there are times that I’m bored or stressed, etc; but more than that, really, I’m looking to be satisfied. If I’m not feeling satisfied, I think a full belly will help me achieve that feeling.

But, I felt fairly convicted when I read Psalm 4:2 that says “How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods?” God is the one who created a longing inside of us to be satisfied so that HE can fill it. When we look for other things to fill that void, it can be a form of idolatry. I didn’t mean to worship other things than Him, but I see over and over again how I turn to food when I feel empty.

When I’m busy or among friends, I find that I don’t eat as much. But, maybe I’m not feeling that same void that makes me want to dive into something tasty? Then I read the above verse: “You still the hunger of those You cherish…” from Psalm 17:14. And I’ve started asking God to still the hunger within me.

I can work really hard at the gym, but I’m not going to lose a pound unless I can get my eating habits under control. I remember hearing that two slice of pizza can wipe out an entire hour of an intense work out. 😦 How often I’ve done just that!

And, honestly, I want more than just weight change. I truly need a heart change. When I fasted, I felt downright awful. I was HUNGRY. But, I don’t often feel that hungry, honestly. I’m often eating mindlessly and on-the-go. I eat when I feel down, when I feel that it’s time (hungry or not) or when I have the moment and something looks good or I have a craving, etc. But, I’d rather be mindful of what I’m eating and why. If it’s not for physical sustenance, I’m praying that I’ll be able to stop and seek God first.

Can I find even more satisfaction from spending time with the Lord than with the food I’m about to partake? If the answer is yes, then that’s the direction I should go.

My current Bible study suggests reading a Psalm at meal times. It’s interesting how much more satisfied I feel when I actually read my Bible first. God longs to fill that place in our lives that we’re filling with other things. He tells us that He will still the hunger of those He cherishes. If you are in a relationship with Him, you are the apple of His eye. He will still that hunger within you if you’ll let Him. Please pray with me that we can both follow His lead in this area of our lives!

Dear Heavenly Father, we confess that we have been putting food as an idol in our lives. We didn’t even realize it, but as we really look and see that we’re eating beyond just to satisfy physical hunger, we know that we’re misusing a gift you’ve given us. We’ve tried to satisfy our cravings with something other than You. Please be our passion. Still the hunger within us. Help us eat only to sustain us and give us a satisfaction that comes through deepening our relationship with You. May people see a change within us that shines from the inside out. Help us be healthy and thin for Your ultimate glory. We ask forgiveness for our sins and for You to free us from the chains of our addiction. Break the cycle and help us move forward in living a life sold out for You! May we grow in our relationship with You, Father. In Jesus’ Name, AMEN!