He who is full loathes honey, but to the hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet.
Proverbs 27:7 (NIV)
Have you ever been hungry? I mean – missed several meals hungry? Most of us have no idea what that means. We have always had enough to eat.
The writer of Proverbs reminds me that when I am full of Thanksgiving dinner – even pecan pie may not sound good to eat. (for at least an hour!) But when I am “starving†– even liver and onions is a feast!
And so this verse in Proverbs becomes wisdom and a warning: “Fill yourself with ‘God things’, Jody, or ‘un-Godly things’ may tempt you!â€
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world – the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does – comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever. 1 John 2:15-17 (NIV)
How strong yet clear are John’s words!
John echoes Peter’s words that we should live as aliens and not crave the pleasures of this world. (1Peter 2) They both are quite forceful and explicit that looking at what we can accumulate here – money, ‘treasures’ if you will – will only end in – nothing – for it will all end in dust! Instead, when I look to God and walk in obedience to Him there will be abundant treasures that will not decay.
How do I know what is God’s will for my life? A decade ago there was a popular bracelet that many of us wore: “WWJDâ€, “What Would Jesus Doâ€. Jesus said that the food that he desires and sustains Him – is doing the will of His Father. (John 4:34) Whatever I do each day, am I able to ask God to bless it? Am I moving toward what He wants me to do each day or trying to beckon Him over to my way?
So – as I begin my day – do I sense God’s eyes on me? Do I know that He is watching? Do I sense His approval? His blessing? Each day I am learning to change my ‘diet’ so I am full of God’s chosen foods for me.
