SPEAKING THE TRUTH TO YOURSELF

Is what I eat important? Does it matter?

Early in our marriage Eric impressed on me a vital character strength. The importance of “speaking the truth” to yourself. A lie to yourself is deceiving yourself, moving mentally away from reality, from what is.

What every individual eats and how much, makes a major difference in their health, strength, mental capability, length of life and usefulness. Those who, sadly, have not cared for themselves are often sickly and die before their time. Of course, only God knows how long every person will live, but Scripture points to healthy food as part of His blessing on us.

"Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. 

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 

Who forgives all thine iniquities, who heals all thy diseases. 

Who redeems thy life from destruction, who crowns thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies. 

Who satisfies thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's." Psalm 103:1-5

The frequency of food highlighted in Scripture is surprising. Why the food so often? Which food? Is it just mentioned as a side-light or could it be more? The food God chose to use is worth living with.

And Jesus answered him, saying, "It is written, that man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” (Luke 4:4) This Word is telling you something to live by.

Happiness does not arrive by satisfying our food cravings. But it can come from a confident plan for your life; like food that is the right nutrition for your body. Whether we think of comfort as a fast-food burger and fries, satisfying a sugar addiction, alcohol abuse or a drug habit it does not last. Consider that knowing the right way to live is first knowing Jesus, peace in your heart, then living well, eating what is good and caring for your spirit, soul, and body, this is a hope filled adventure. And “every Word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” is our hope.

Why is faith important when you think of the food you eat? There is a curious constancy in the way God uses important food in the Bible as a powerful blessing for his people. But only rarely does the Holy Spirit tell us why “I have brought you to a land flowing with milk and honey” is important. But you will see this phrase repeated throughout Scripture. What is there about milk? Or honey? Study these two foods and you might be surprised at their benefits.