Physically speaking that is usually not an issue with me. My appetite seldom suffers a blow. Upon the rare occasion that it does it’s usually a physical thing, not an emotional issue because stress causes me to seek comfort with a Mr. Bee Potato Chip Bag and a Diet Coke. They of course counterbalance each other and all calories are sacrificially eliminated. That’s my story and I’m stickin’ to it. But for certain the appetite is a gauge of sort to the inner self.
I don’t think that it’s coincidence that God uses food for sacrifice and illustration so often in the Bible. He knows that it’s something we can identify with and appreciate, it’s a very important part of our lives. In celebration we gather round food, in mourning our family gathers after a funeral service for a meal, the communion table is set with bread and juice and the flavor as it hits my taste buds draws my mind to scripture and the day when God said we’d share it in His presence one day. Glory to God! that is such a special time! Food is important! Whole studies have been done on the importance of nutrition but today my mind is elsewhere.
Lack of appetite with the children of God is rampant when it comes to the things of God both spiritually and physically. I know that there are more causes than possible to list but I think they all fall into three catagories:
- We don’t want it.
In Psalm 23 (my refuge Psalm in times of heart ache) David says
1The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
David didn’t want because the Lord provided his every need. We don’t want because we have too much. Americans are a spoiled nation where we throw away more in a week than many will have in a life time. True story… and because of our overabundance and constant craving for things we have no appetite for the things of God.
- We’re too tired for it.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
David could lie down in the goodness and protection of God even in the midst of this trial and be at peace because he knew God was in control and that there was purpose in everything.
We run to and fro, and to and fro trying to meet self-made quotas and at the end of the day we collapse in exhaustion without so much as a “Thank You Jesus” for giving me another day. We have no appetite for the things of God because we’re worn out.
- We’re not even at the table
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
In order to eat and be nourished by the good things that God desires for us we have to be in a right relationship with Him. When God desired a sacrifice of Cain and Able, Cain refused obedience to God’s plan. He had this lovely fruit and veggie tray that he’d picked up from the Deli, but God had told him to go to the meat department, not produce. We try so hard to “produce” acceptable works. But God wants obedience… He’s the leader. He restored David’s soul because God was Shepherd of his soul.
- We’re afraid of it
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
David could fear no evil because the rod was a rod of correction and the staff was a staff of direction, both were there to keep him safe. We’re afraid to be that close to the Lord and allow Him that kind of control. Just like the sheep David shepherded, he knew that he would be prey were it not for God’s protection.
- Dinner’s ready… are you ready for it?
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Even in the presence of your enemy, whatever that may be: people, finances, relationships, health… God has prepared you the finest of cuisine. Don’t lose your appetite because of what’s going on around you. God’s in the kitchen waiting for you to come in and enjoy this awesome meal and time of fellowship with Him, but you’ve got to slow down… sit and rest… leave the pride and sin outside the door…allow God to guide you… and then sit and feast on His goodness.
This blog was totally for me… but I hope you tasted His goodness in your life too!
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