Holiday time is no time for dieting. We like to celebrate around deliciousness, don’t we? We like to eat rich, comforting foods that satisfy our palettes. We don’t worry about nutrition. We are focused on what satisfies our cravings, then when the new year rolls around, we make resolutions to eat healthier. We find, though, that fruits and vegetables taste blah, like steamed broccoli. Healthy eating becomes boring and ho-hum. Many turn back and indulge in what they crave. At the time, it seems satisfying until they don’t feel good, or they are sluggish and tired.
We allow comfort food to lure us away from what our bodies need, which is nutritious food that feeds our body, mind and soul.
*Note: If you haven’t read my previous blog, “God is Waiting To Be Found,” go ahead and read it. It will help in understanding today’s story.
Place yourself at the beach. Like I mentioned Tuesday, those who stay on shore like the ways of the world. They love what the world has to offer. They indulge in the comforts surrounding them that satisfies their palettes or cravings. They fill themselves up.
Then, there are those who like to hang out in the shallow water. They splash around, enjoying what God is offering them, yet, they too, chase after what pleases them along with walking with God. They fill themselves up with both worlds.
God calls each of us to follow after Jesus. He walks the beaches searching for those who are hungry and thirsty for more, more than what this world offers. He looks for souls who aren’t satisfied with holiday fare. They desire something that is lasting, forgiving, and accepting; along with not developing a muffin top.
When a soul looks to God, Jesus takes them by the hand and leads them into the water.
Unfortunately, holiday times roll around often and we succumb to satisfying our palettes instead of letting God satisfy us. We get stuck. We stop going deeper and we remain in the shallows where the waves crest over and knock us around. We find this fun, until we get tired, sluggish, and we wonder, “is this as good as its going to get?”
God is saying to you, “My child, there is more, so much more. I need for you to swim deeper and find out.”
When you swims deeper, you will find God in the most surprising ways. God feeds you. He feeds you with the most delectable food, food that fills your soul.
You will be satisfied and content.
You won’t be able to taste His richness when your palette is dulled by worldly, holiday fare. God speaks of this in Ephesians 5:18, “Don’t be drunk with wine (or food), because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
When you swim away from the enticements of this world, God arouses your palette. And what do you know, broccoli is delicious! Your taste buds awaken to fruits, vegetables, and Jesus! God’s Word becomes real and you experience His Presence. You become focused on Him and how He is with you every moment of your day.
Your diet becomes healthy and nutritious. You fill yourself up with good-for-you food that helps you to be spiritually fit. When you are spiritually fit, then you will be able to experience some worldly fare without it controlling you. For example, I enjoyed pumpkin pie over Thanksgiving week-end.
The best place to dine is in deep water. After you feast upon God and His ways, He will then lead you to swim back to the shallows in serving others in hopes that they, too, will join you out at sea. He may have you take a walk on the beach. God wants everyone to find Him, and He uses those who already believe to love those who, yet, don’t understand, but one day they might.
God is waiting to be found.
I will leave you with this, “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)
Carol J German 