Jesus Is Our Special Nourishment

"Christ is the meat, the bread, the food of our souls. Nothing is in him of a higher spiritual nourishment than his love, which we should always desire."  -John Owen

We receive nourishment from many different types of foods. If you stop and think about it, in reality, there are two different yet vital types of foods, or nourishment. There is the physical type, which consists of the common edibles which we consume daily. These, of course, are necessary for physical growth, health, and good condition.

The other type of nourishment is very important, too: spiritual nourishment. Though we can't cook it up on a stove, or order it in a restaurant, it is equally important for our growth, health, and good condition spiritually. Spiritual growth is essential in that it feeds the spirit and fills our lives with plentifulness that surpasses anything in the physical sense.

When one is lacking in physical sustenance, whether by a diet or illness, it shows in the way we perform and in our appearance. We can definitely see the outward results of such changes, as they tend to occur quite rapidly. But, when our spiritual store is running low, this is not the case. We could be starving spiritually and not even realize it!

Since it happens so slowly, and is less obvious physically, it can be going on for quite a while before there are any external symptoms. This is what makes spiritual malnutrition, or weakness difficult to recognize. When we're hungry our bodies let us know. If we don't eat we can become weak, irritable, and even ill, depending on the circumstances.

When our spirit is malnourished, or in a weakened and compromised state, sin can creep in. Sin usually brings some bad company along for the ride, such as: irritability, depression, anger, bitterness, hatred, hopeless, envy, addictions, vanity and, well... you get the picture. Any way you cut it, it's not pretty!

Jesus demonstrated how important spiritual nourishment is if we are to strengthen ourselves against the constant onslaught of Satan, who preys on the spiritually weak. If you recall, while out in the wilderness, Jesus battled Satan by quoting scripture (Matthew 4:4; Deuteronomy 8:3). He demonstrated how powerful the Word is against the adversary's attacks.

Israel, too, found out the importance of spiritual well-being (nourishment) during their travails while out in the desert. The daily supply of manna clearly indicated to them the importance of daily refreshment of spiritual nourishment. Without which, they would have surely perished (John 6:49-50).

We eat food because it is necessary for our physical survival. Similarly, our spiritual survival will be severely jeopardized without the Word of God. The Bible reminds us of this in 1 Peter 2:2, "Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation..."

So, the next time you head for the fridge to grab a snack, or sit down to have a nice meal, pause for a moment, and think: "Did I feed my spirit today?" Though these items may not be found on any menu; prayer, study, meditation, and obedience are essential to your spiritual well-being. This is one meal you surely can't afford, to skip!

Scripture: John 6:45; Romans 6:9; 2 Timothy 3:16; Romans 6:14; Ephesians 2:8-9

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, I pray today for replenishment of my spirit; feed me with your mercy and grace, that I may be rejuvenated and strengthened in both, heart and soul. Amen

Have a blessed Monday!

Hailey