Stress makes me hungry. Relaxation makes me hungry. Watching TV commercials makes me hungry. Honestly, most things in life make me hungry! Hunger is an interesting thing…not just physical hunger for food…but craving itself. As humans, we all have lots of cravings…inner urges for something outside ourselves to make us happy & peaceful. Something to satisfy the urges . One of the aspects of maturity, especially maturity in Christ, is learning to control our cravings…rather than vice versa. Over the past 2 months or so, I’ve lost about 8-9 pounds. It’s been brutal at times, but has reminded me of some larger life lessons about walking with God.
The less I try to satisfy the cravings within me by indulging in pleasures, the more open I am to receive peace & purpose from the Lord… to fill my own heart and overflow to others.
John 4:31-34 – “Jesus’ disciples urged him, “Rabbi, eat something.” But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.” Then his disciples said to each other, “Could someone have brought him food?” “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.”
Luke 8:14-15 – “The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.”
True mastery over cravings doesn’t come by will power…from anything inside me. It comes from leaning into the Spirit of God, and allowing His character to permeate my heart so much that my “inner-craver” is put under His Lordship & will for me.
