Time to Feast

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” JOHN 6:35 

 It’s one of the age-old questions posed to moms around the world: What’s for dinner? Whether we’re celebrating with steak and lobster or scraping by with hot dogs or PB&J until the next paycheck, the menus all have something in common. The food staves off hunger and hopefully nourishes and strengthens our bodies.

 What we put on their plates might please our children or disappoint. Regardless, they trust us to think ahead of their needs and give them what we think is best. That’s why it’s important to ask ourselves: Are we filling their spiritual hunger on a regular basis as well? And how are we keeping ourselves filled?

 Finding time to renew ourselves spiritually can be difficult. But just like our bodies can’t survive indefinitely without food and drink, our spiritual selves will wither and fade without regular nourishment. The signs of spiritual malnourishment crop up quickly. Anxiety fills our minds. Surly words pop from our mouths. Negative thoughts control our attitudes.

 Fortunately, the cure for a hungry soul is always within reach. Sometimes it’s best approached in small steps, just like a person who hasn’t eaten for a long time starts with only a few bites of food. We can take five minutes to read a short devotional, or we can listen to Christian music while we run errands or exercise. We can choose a Bible verse to memorize each week or start a list of ways we notice God around us.

 Each little thing will build on the others until we’ve reestablished a two-way connection with God. As long as we keep that foundation in place, our souls will be satisfied. Then we can take what we’ve learned and teach it to our children so they’ll also be filled.

Lord, I usually rush to satisfy my physical hunger at the first rumbling of my stomach. Help me pay just as much attention to my spiritual hunger so I can fill myself with what matters most—You. Amen .