Eleven: A New Diet
When you trusted in jesus…
We all love to eat and drink; it is an essential part of being human. Few things in life are as necessary for survival as consuming food and drink—and, at the same time, they provide much joy and satisfaction. The almost limitless combinations of colors, textures and flavors can dazzle the senses, while a full stomach of good food can bring deep peace and contentment. It’s also undeniable that eating is one of the more adventurous and enjoyable experiences in which we get to participate. Not only is eating itself joyful, but there can also be meaning and fulfillment in the activities surrounding a meal. Whether it’s in the growing, harvesting or hunting to the preparation of a meal to sharing it with others, food has a profound impact on our lives. Yet, just as our physical bodies were created with a need for physical nourishment, food and water, so our soul needs a steady diet of spiritual nourishment. When you trusted in Jesus, a door was opened to a whole new category of daily nourishment to consume and enjoy: a New Diet.
So, what does your new spiritual diet look like? The Bible contains several references comparing different parts of our natural diet to its spiritual equivalent. The following are just a few of these verses that help you better understand this diet for the soul:
“But he (Jesus) answered, ‘It is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”’” (Matthew 4:4)
“On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, ‘If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, “Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”’ Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.” (John 7:37-39)
“Meanwhile the disciples were urging him (Jesus), saying, ‘Rabbi, eat.’ But he said to them, ‘I have food to eat that you do not know about.’ So, the disciples said to one another, ‘Has anyone brought him something to eat?’ Jesus said to them, ‘My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.’” (John 4:31-34)
These passages reveal just how important it is to nourish our souls. Just as we can’t live without food and drink in our physical bodies, our souls can also be starved or malnourished. We also learn from these passages what some of the basic “soul food groups” are—the spiritual versions of meat, dairy, grains, fruits and veggies. (And you can’t skip your veggies.) Specifically, we see that God’s Word (the Bible), the Holy Spirit and accomplishing God’s will for our life are all essential parts of this New Diet.
Just think of all the new “tastes and smells” of spiritual food and drinks you will get to try and make part of your daily routine. Some of these meals you will eat alone, as you read and “chew” or reflect on God’s Word. Other meals are shared, as a pastor provides a sermon prepared for you and others. Anytime your soul thirsts or is dissatisfied with life, look to God’s Spirit within you to bring the peace, love and joy that is as essential to your life as water is to the body. You can also look forward to experiencing the satisfaction that comes from walking out God’s will for your life, comparable to that satisfaction you feel after a large holiday meal with friends and family. Just like our natural diet, there are also very healthy foods that might not taste good at first but will ultimately give your soul what it needs to thrive in life. So, get ready for some of the best meals you’ve ever had. Happy eating!