Fill up, Buttercup.

My appetite changed in 2020.

The extra time in my calendar allowed me to evaluate the impact of what I was consuming on my life- my body, my mind, and my spirit.

I discovered I had been settling for being tided over. I was doing a lot of munching. I was devouring lots of "empty calories."

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to speak to the youth at my church about "appetites."

I opened the devotion with the question, "What is something you enjoy eating, but have realized doesn't keep you satisfied very long?"

"French fries," one confessed.

"Salad," one giggled.

"Chips," one expressed.

"Cotton Candy," one shared.

"Cereal," one revealed.

We took it to the next level. We discussed the non-foods we "consumed" and how they impacted us.

I confessed my excessive indulgence in Instagram scrolling, online shopping, Netflix binging, comfort-food, "self-improvement", and comparison. My indulgences were enjoyable- temporarily. When the satisfaction faded, I found myself hungrier than before.

Many of the young people resonated. They opened up and articulated what they had been running to for a quick "fill-up."

Then, we flipped the script. We brainstormed and listed what brought us deep, long-lasting satisfaction. Soul satisfaction.

Worship music.

Long walks.

Candles.

Books.

Prayer.

Church.

Game night.

Drawing.

Sunrises.

Sunsets.

God's word.

Mentorship.

We loaded up our "plates" with these soul-filling items and activities. Afterwards, we prayed a prayer of repentance and surrender- asking Jesus to help us fight the cravings of the unsatisfying and increase our hunger for the satisfying.

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Jesus wants us to be fed. Physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

I have been reading the gospels this month, and I've realized they talk A LOT about food. Jesus talks A LOT about food and Jesus does A LOT with food (e.g. multiplying loaves and fish to feed the crowds multiple times).

As I was reading Mark 5, I had a new-to-me realization which about made me fall off my chair (and definitely made my heart swell with love for my Jesus.)

This chapter records the story of Jesus bringing Jairus' 12-year-old daughter back to life.

When Jesus arrives at Jairus' home, he finds the people who were gathered in the "depths of despair." He says to them, "Why make this commotion and weep? The child is not dead, but sleeping." He goes on to take the girl by the hand and say, "Little girl, I say to you arise." She springs to life immediately and begins to bustle around with all the energy of a typical 12-year-old.

Before Jesus leaves, verse 43 records: "But He commanded them strictly that no one should know it, and said that something should be given her to eat."

Jesus said, "Give the girl something to eat."

Give 👏 The 👏 Girl 👏 Something 👏 To 👏 Eat 👏

The God of the Universe- The Savior of the World- The Master- The Creator- The Healer- wanted the girl to be fed. How BEAUTIFUL and HEART-WARMING is that?!?

Jesus had just miraculously raised her to life, yet He recognized her needs extended beyond that moment. There was more life for her to live. The miracle woke her up, but the miracle wouldn't sustain her.

I want miracles. I pray for miracles. I believe in miracles. BUT, I feel Jesus quickening me to understand the miracles won't sustain us. We need miracles in desperate situations. Miracles wake us up. Miracles jumpstart us.

Jesus wants us to live beyond the miracle. Jesus wants us to be fed.

Life is in the BREAD. Endurance is in the BREAD. Joy is in the BREAD. Strength is in the BREAD.

It's time regain control of our appetites. It's time to ditch our compulsive consumption of what is temporarily satisfying and switch to intentional consumption of what is eternally satisfying.

And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst." -John 6:35

Jesus is the bread of life. He gave His life- His body the bread- so we can be full. He gave His Word- our daily bread- so we can be nourished.

We don't have to settle for what is temporarily satisfying. We can have eternal satisfaction.

Ditch and switch.

Take a close look at what you have been consuming. Evaluate your appetite. Are you satisfied? Have you been feeding your flesh or your spirit? Are your indulgences helping you walk in your calling or hindering you?

Jesus has done the miraculous. He raised you to new life. He woke you up. Now, He wants you to feast. The table is prepared for you.

It's time to fill up, Buttercup. You have more life to live.

A closing prayer:

Jesus, I thank you for every person who read these words. Thank you for the ways you are growing and stretching them. Thank you for being our source and supply. Lord, I pray we will soften to the conviction of your Spirit. Though you may not "remove" our cravings for the unsatisfying, you have given us the power and authority to FIGHT those cravings. You alone are eternally satisfying. I pray you will help us to CHOOSE you- to reach for you- to seek you- when we are in need of comfort and strength. Fill us with all the fullness of your unfailing love. In Jesus' name. Amen.