Soul Food
Each New Year our church begins with prayer and fasting. Our fast is based on this passage in the Book of Daniel:
“In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.” (Daniel 10:2, 3)
When I first heard about the Daniel Fast, I must say I wasn't too excited. Now I have fasted at different times most of my Christian walk, but usually it was one food group, or from doing something I really enjoyed. I know God honors anything we give up for him, and I've witnessed many breakthroughs during these times.
But 21 days of denying myself? Hmmm, I knew I would need God's grace for this one!
To “hunger and thirst” is the best illustration in the Word for what it means to draw closer to God. These basic physical needs are impossible to ignore. Now, here in American, we've been so abundantly blessed. If we should feel hungry or thirsty we have the means to take care of it right away. Instant gratification!
As I began my fast this year, I asked God to give me a new passion for his Word and for his Presence.
“In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.” (Daniel 10:2, 3)
When I first heard about the Daniel Fast, I must say I wasn't too excited. Now I have fasted at different times most of my Christian walk, but usually it was one food group, or from doing something I really enjoyed. I know God honors anything we give up for him, and I've witnessed many breakthroughs during these times.
But 21 days of denying myself? Hmmm, I knew I would need God's grace for this one!
To “hunger and thirst” is the best illustration in the Word for what it means to draw closer to God. These basic physical needs are impossible to ignore. Now, here in American, we've been so abundantly blessed. If we should feel hungry or thirsty we have the means to take care of it right away. Instant gratification!
As I began my fast this year, I asked God to give me a new passion for his Word and for his Presence.
I want to be hungry for the things of God.
One of the most beautiful illustrations of a heart that was seeking hard after God is found in Psalms 63. David wrote this passage while he was in the desert, exiled from Jerusalem. Instead of feeling sorry for himself as he fled from his own son who wanted to kill him, David prayed:
“O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water”. (Psalm 63:1)
David cried out from the depths of his heart for God’s presence. Is it just me or does this sound extremely foreign to you? Do you long for God as David did? Do you long for God so much you can feel it in your soul and even in your flesh? Oh, that we may have a heart like David that is hungry and thirsty for Jesus!
We have plenty bibles sitting on our shelves and churches on every corner, but do we have a relationship with Jesus that fills our deepest longings? How much our lives would be changed if only we would press towards the presence of God to feed our spirit-man in the same way we seek after food and drink for our flesh.
I love the what Beth Moore said in her book Living Free:
“The more we have been satisfied by God’s love, His Word, and His presence, the more we will yearn for it.”
I’m so grateful we serve a God that can truly satisfy our deepest needs.
My invitation today is this:
“O taste and see that the LORD is good” (Psalm 34:8).
One of the most beautiful illustrations of a heart that was seeking hard after God is found in Psalms 63. David wrote this passage while he was in the desert, exiled from Jerusalem. Instead of feeling sorry for himself as he fled from his own son who wanted to kill him, David prayed:
“O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water”. (Psalm 63:1)
David cried out from the depths of his heart for God’s presence. Is it just me or does this sound extremely foreign to you? Do you long for God as David did? Do you long for God so much you can feel it in your soul and even in your flesh? Oh, that we may have a heart like David that is hungry and thirsty for Jesus!
We have plenty bibles sitting on our shelves and churches on every corner, but do we have a relationship with Jesus that fills our deepest longings? How much our lives would be changed if only we would press towards the presence of God to feed our spirit-man in the same way we seek after food and drink for our flesh.
I love the what Beth Moore said in her book Living Free:
“The more we have been satisfied by God’s love, His Word, and His presence, the more we will yearn for it.”
I’m so grateful we serve a God that can truly satisfy our deepest needs.
My invitation today is this:
“O taste and see that the LORD is good” (Psalm 34:8).
Some things to ponder:
Is your hunger for God growing stronger, or weaker?
Do you set time aside for God and his word each day?
Thank you Father for the invitation you offer us each day to come and to drink and to dine with you. Your word satisfies completely.. Give me heart that follows hard after you. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.
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Labels: Christian walk, Susan's articles
posted by Susan @ 12:01 AM
15 Comments:
Precious my friend.
What a beautiful post! Thank you, Susan.
A good goal for the new year...for every day. I am glad that He will finish the good work He began in me...there is no greater joy than sitting in His presence!
Susan your post is so true...do we really hunger and thirst after the Lord. I am doing the Daniel Fast and it has been so exciting seeing everything unfold..He is so amazing and so true to His word. All He asks is that we believe Him. Believe that His word is Yes and Amen. Nothing else matters.
I pray that He IS and WILL always be my CONSTANT. I love Him so, Yolanda
WOW! What an amazing post Susan! Many people go on the Daniel fast at the beginning of the year in my church. I have fasted from other things, but I've never done the Daniel fast.
What great questions you asked in the end. I thank God that I can give a positive answer to both of them.
LOVED this!
Happy Monday!
oh to hunger and thirst for righteousness...that we might be filled!
Beautiful thoughts and an inspiring challenge. Thank YOU!
Hi Susan,
I am the "new Susan" at the Cafe'. I love your post and the reminder that soul food truly leaves us longing for more soul food. I look forward to working along side you!
Blessings,
Susan D.
I do find myself these days thirsting more for the word, I am working on the setting time aside each day...I have trouble with the same time of the day thing...
A great devotional Susan! I definitely want to follow hard after Christ, I want to hunger and thirst for Him more than for anything else!
Blessings!
Thank you for the wonderful words of encouragement. I'm going to read Psalm 61 today!
That is my soul's desire. To want Him that much!
Oh, Susan, thank you for posting this. It adds to my worship weekend beautifully. Psalm 63 was the verse they used for our bookmark and to lead us into His presence.
I'm crazy in love with Him. My appetite continues to grow. I'm always hungry for more of HIM. I feel like a beggar always asking God to know Him in a deeper way. He is my daily bread.
Love your devo. Thank you for the gift of your words. Beautiful.
Susan---that is EXACTLY what this dry thirsty soul NEEDS and wants!
Oh to sit at His feet today!
What a blessed post---just in time for me (although I am late reading it...it is RIGHT on TIME!)
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