Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Spiritual Fast Food



Fast food. It becomes an option when I haven’t had time to prepare dinner. It’s quick, convenient, and usually tastes good – although I wouldn’t want to vouch for its nutritional value. Just last week, I opted for fast food when dinner time rolled around and I hadn’t consulted my weekly menu plan. A brief glance at the plan reaffirmed what I already knew. There was no way I could make calzones and serve them for dinner, unless we were interested in a midnight snack.

Off to the drive-through. Our order was ready quickly. From the time we got in line, to the time we finished our meal, less than an hour had passed. Whoever came up with the term ‘fast’ food, was definitely accurate!
Advantages of fast food aside, I DO enjoy cooking a meal and savoring each dish at a more leisurely pace. There’s something about preparing things that are tasty and nutritional that leaves me with a feeling of satisfaction. Although fast food has its place when I’m in a pinch, my preference is home cooking every time.

In a lot of ways, time is the currency of our day. With a major emphasis placed on being productive, I can’t help considering what my spiritual ‘meals’ look like on a daily basis. Am I interested in quality ‘food’ or satisfied with spiritual fast food? Am I so busy with the good, that I crowd out the best - the opportunity to spend time with my Heavenly Father?
   
There are days when reading a quick chapter in God’s Word and praying while on the road is the best I can do. But what truly satisfies? Those days when I open His Word, take time to sit at His feet, and really consider what He’s saying to me. The times when I pray His Word back to Him over the situations that concern me. The moments I’m completely still, reveling in the knowledge that He IS God.

The more time I spend in relationship with Him, the more I desire the things that truly satisfy my spiritual appetite. The Psalmist, David, a man after God’s own heart, put it this way, “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much find gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb,” (Psalm 19:7-10; KJV).

The spiritual hunger that I experience can only be satisfied by spending time with God. David recognized this when he cried out, “O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is…Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee…My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips,” (Psalm 63:1,3,5).

Spiritual fast food or a real spiritual meal? What will you choose to satisfy your spiritual appetite today?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to hunger and thirst for a closer relationship with You. Fill me with the things that will truly satisfy my spiritual appetite. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

*A re-post from 9/2011.


*I'm hosting over at Living by Grace today. Come join in the discussion!

13 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. So good to see you, Joanne! God is so good to teach us with everyday examples, isn't He?! Hope you have a fantastic week full of His blessings! Hugs!

      Delete
  2. I am taking this to heart today! I have been just driving through my devotionals when I need to really sit down to a feast. Thanks for the reminder.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment, Ann! It's so easy to get into the 'check it off my list of things to do,' mode. This has been a valuable lesson for me too! Enjoy all the Lord has for you today! God bless!

      Delete
  3. Excellent post, Maria! I'm not a fan of fast food (I'd rather grab a pb&j lol), but I do have times when I rush through Scripture or my prayer time. It's so awesome that, when we've run on "snacks" for too long, God nudges us, calls us back, reminds us to abide. He is so patient!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Jennifer! Agreeing with you that God is patient - what a longsuffering Savior we serve! He knows exactly what we need and makes it available to us. We just need to recognize our need and accept His nourishment! Have a wonderful week & God bless!

      Delete
  4. Hi Maria -

    The recent change in my work schedule has given me the precious gift of time. I'm using some of it to increase my Father/daughter meetings. :)

    Blessings,
    Susan

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Great to see you Susan! Glad to hear your new work schedule has been a blessing. At first, it didn't sound like what you were expecting, so I'm glad it's working out well for you. Love the way you describe your quiet time as Father/daughter meetings! Hugs & God bless!

      Delete
  5. Really enjoyed this...sometimes summer finds me spending less time in the Word and with the Lord. I don't want my summer to be full of fast food. Thanks for the encouragement to spend time with the Lord.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wonderful to see you Elaine! Summer time does pose some unique challenges - it's a time for vacations and taking time off. So glad to hear you've made the commitment to spend time with the Lord going into this hectic season! I'm making the same commitment! God bless!

      Delete
  6. Correct, Food is more than simply fuel.Really,It is very useful post about home food value. I was finding this kind of article since 2 to 4 weeks. Thanks for sharing this informatics blog.

    ReplyDelete
  7. You ask some good questions here and bring up some interesting points. Thank-you.
    wholesale food suppliers

    ReplyDelete
  8. Well, this is really amazing. First time I've heard about spiritual fast food. Food has no connection with spiritualism. Please don't mix two different things.

    ReplyDelete