Yesterday I downloaded a new book on my kindle called "Craving God: A 21 Day Devotional" by Lisa TerKeurst. It was free, and published by Zondervann, so I figured I couldn't go wrong. The book is about craving God instead of food. (At least with the given title and my limited reading so far, that's what I can tell.)
As I read the first chapter, I was quickly allerted to the fact that this "devotional" had only a vague reference to Psalm 139 with us being fearfully and wonderfully made. Sure, the content has been good so far, but when I finished the first chapter, I definitely didn't feel "fed" spiritually. You know, just because something says "devotional" on it, doesn't mean it's filled with God's Word. And to grow spiritually, we have to be cautious to not fill our mind with words from good people...we have to focus on God's inspired Word. Ironic, yes, coming from a blogger. But true, nonetheless.
Like I said, the content has been good, and I'm going to finish this book. Struggle with food has always been a life-long battle for me. Here's some quotes from the book so far...
"I had to get honest enough to admit that I relied on food more than I relied on God, I craved food more than I craed God."
"Is it possible we love and rely on food more than we love and rely on God? Now before you delete this, hear me out. This question is crucial. We have to see the purpose of our struggle with food as something more than getting to wear smaller sizes and receiving compliments. Shallow desires produce shallwo efforts...The process of getting healthy has to be about more than just losing weight and focusing on ourselves. It's not about adjusting our diets and hoping for good physical results. It's about recalibrating our souls so that we want to change for the right reasons."
But as I contemplated the words from the book, I turned to God's book, and for whatever reason, he led me to Psalm 23. The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not be in want. Interesting that the Lord led me to that. If I am craving food, maybe I'm not letting the Lord be my shepherd. Hmmm... He leads me...He restores me...He guides me...He's with me...He prepares my table...
So as I contemplated the combination of my new little "devotional" book with God's book, He led me to write this poem this morning. It's a question we each have to ask ourselves, not once, but every single day. Who or what is our god? Who or what is the object of our affection? I'm renewed today with an even greater desire to keep my God with a big - G on the throne.
Who is my god? The object of my affection.
Wake up super early, phone by my bed.
No time for breakfast, gotta get the kids fed.
Must have my coffee, can’t live without it.
Then find time to work out so I can stay fit.
Making good progress, now it’s my time for me.
Kids are at school, and I’m finally free.
On the docket today, shopping and fun.
And of course some facebook while I’m on the run.
A glance at my watch says it’s time to stop
Kids will be home soon and the floors still need mopped.
Dinner is served. Homework is done.
Kids are in bed. Watch out tv, here I come.
The end of the day, it’s quickly in sight.
I got it all done, with all of my might.
Almost asleep. Whoops, gotta say a quick prayer.
Then God speaks back in the dark night air.
“Who is your god? You’ve replaced Me, you see.
The day is over, but what about Me?
You have time for shopping, you have time for fun.
You have time for friends, but time for me, there’s none.
Who is your god, the coffee, your phone?
Is it your food, your chocolate, am I still on the throne?
Am I King of Your life, ruling supreme?
Or have I been replaced with more important things?”
“But God, I just had so much to do.
Tomorrow will be better. I’ll find time for You.”
But the pattern continues. Night after night.
“I’ll change, God. Tomorrow will start off right.”
Truth be told, nothing changes until the heart is clean
With motives and sin on the table to be seen.
The object of my affection each day must be You.
My big G-God, my provider, my only love true.
---Beth Banfill
www.GodandMe2theMax.com
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