True Food

“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.”  Luke 4:4, Deut. 8:3

Jesus has been fasting for 40 days, so He doesn’t just have grumbly tummy.  He’s ravished.  He is literally sick with hunger.  Wiley Satan says “If You’re God, turn these stones to bread.”  Create what you want.  Fulfill your needs yourself.  Prove yourself.

Jesus replies, “My highest need is God’s Word.  Physical hunger is nothing compared to My yearning for My Father’s council.  Bread nourishes my body but His communication to Me fulfills my soul—my life—my spirit.”

When was the last time you were at a Mexican restaurant and just couldn’t pass on the chips and salsa?  Or an Italian feast and the warm bread, fresh from the oven, waiting to be dipped in olive oil, crushed all your self-control?

Many people fast for spiritual renewal.  For a handful of days the hunger pangs become reminders of our total dependence on our Heavenly Father.  The fasting brings Luke 4:4 to life.  Spiritual food trumps physical food.

What if the next time you are confronted with a cookie, a basket of chips, or the drive-thru when you’re starving, you commit to a mini-fast.  Remind yourself of your higher commitment to spiritual nourishment.  Wait.  Pray.  Rebuke Satan’s taunting with your Father’s words, “Man does not live by bread alone.”   Then claim and celebrate His Spirit and strength doing a good work in you. 

Ponderings:

At what times or in what circumstances are you at highest risk of choosing unhealthy and unhelpful foods? 

What verses will you say aloud and claim as truth?

How can you turn those high-risk moments into victorious opportunities of reliance on your Father’s presence and protection?