Spiritual Feast or Famine..?

“Whether we are feasting or fasting or somewhere in between, food should have a sacred role in our lives. It can be something we sacrifice, something we savor, something we share, and through it all we can remain fulfilled because we are grounded in God, the only One who can satisfy our hungry hearts.”  - Mary DeTurris Poust, Cravings: A Catholic Wrestles with Food, Self-Image, and God

Nourishment. What does this word bring to your mind? In the basic sense, it can mean something that is essential for one's physical growth and well-being. We tend to think of nourishment as vital to our very existence. After all, without nourishment we would perish.

We can also think of nourishment in the sense of our spiritual growth; think "spiritual nourishment." While our physical nourishment may be satisfied by the intake of food, drink, etc., our need for spiritual nourishment can only be satiated one way.

Our own human nature forces us to focus almost exclusively on the physical, and rightly so. Who among us hasn't been distracted by a grumbling stomach, or a light-headedness which serves to remind us that we need nourishment? I can't watch too many fast-food commercials on televison without wanting to raid the fridge, or jump in my car and make a food run!

But what about the spiritual aspect of life? Not to worry. God has it all under control. He provides "experiences" to make us aware that there is a spiritual aspect of life that entails feeding and maintenance just as much as the physical.

When the body is famished, whether by deprivation or a harmful diet, it affects us differently than does our spiritual selves. When the spirit is starved, it occurs at a much slower place, and inside of us. Therefore, since it is less obvious, it may go unrecognized for quite some time as we proceed with our lives.

However, as with deprivation of physical nourishment, there are definite outward signs/symptoms that our spiritual nourishment is ebbing rapidly and needs immediate attention. It's about this time, or low-point that sin rears it's ugly head, too.

Other obvious signs/symptoms that make their appearance once sin opens the door are: arguing, bitterness, hatred, self-pity, hopelessness, despair, paranoia, envy, jealousy, anger, irritability, depression, discouragement, melancholy, despondency, gloominess, resentment, etc., to name but a few.

Alright, so what can we do? How can we satisfy our spiritual nourishment and fortify ourselves against having it fall to dangerously low levels? We tend to make things much more complicated than they need to be. Surprisingly, the answer to this is not as difficult or challenging as you might think.

Study, prayer, meditation, and obedience are essential to our spiritual nourishment. Additionally, our relationship with God, worship, and religion should be increased so as to play an effective, positive role in our lives.

We all  need to replenish our physical bodies in order to survive; plain and simple. We also need to pay attention to our spiritual needs, as well. Both aspects of our lives have their requirements, and it is up to us to maintain them for optimal performance.

Although, our physical nutritional needs, at least outwardly, are important, the benefits of taking care of our inward, spiritual nourishment is ultimately longer-lasting, and far more rewarding.

Scripture: Matthew 5:6; Ephesians 4:4-6; 1 Peter 1:12; Romans 14:17; John 17:22

Prayer: Dear Lord, You are nourishment for the slumping soul; please open my heart so that I may receive You and be rejuvenated and revitalized by Your Word. Amen

Have a blessed day!

Krystal