There’s a cozy spot on my couch with a large indention and a few broken springs. It’s my spot, where I spend the majority of my day. I read, write, pay bills, watch TV, and even sometimes eat there.
These comfortable spaces we all have aren’t necessarily bad. It’s when they become obsessions or things of great importance that we need to rethink them. I will fight for my spot on the couch. Just ask my daughter.
My cozy obsessions, those things I retreat to when feeling lost, are my indented seat on our worn couch, television, and as you’ve heard many times before, food. None of these are problems in moderation, but moderation is something I definitely don’t do well.
The tough thing about food is it’s a necessity. I can turn off the TV or force myself to sit somewhere new, but we must eat. Food is a gift from God.
Here’s the big problem: I’ve moved food in front of Him. In times of sadness, I eat before I pray. In times of anger, I eat before I open my Bible for words of peace. Even in times of joy, I celebrate with food over spending time praising God.
I just finished a fantastic book by John Piper, A Hunger For God. After I started The Fast Diet that I discussed last week, my interest in Christian fasting peaked.
Mr. Piper shares so many wonderful and important thoughts on fasting:
“Fasting is not a no to the goodness of food or the generosity of God in providing it. Rather, it is a way of saying, from time to time, that having more of the Giver surpasses having the gift.” (p.45)
And this:
“Fasting is a way of revealing to ourselves and confessing to our God what is in our hearts. Where do we find our deepest satisfaction—in God or in his gifts? And the aim of fasting is that we come to rely less on food and more on God.” (p.57)
The word food here could be replaced by many others: television, our cozy spot on the couch, alcohol, drugs… All of these have been problematic for me at one time or another. They have each been what I hungered for, my food, so to speak.
My goal today is to develop a hunger for God over anything else. To choose Him again and again. I struggle to fully rely on anyone, but I’ve decided He is safe.
As I’m working on trying to fast twice a week, I’m learning how difficult, yet incredibly rewarding, this shift can be. I want to fully experience an overwhelming appetite for Him.
I dream of being one of these kind of people:
“The strongest, most mature Christians I have ever met are the hungriest for God. It might seem that those who eat most would be least hungry. But that’s not the way it works with an inexhaustible fountain, and an infinite feast, and a glorious Lord.”
~John Piper
I’m going for that calorie free, highly satisfying infinite feast…
What are you hungry for today? Have you thought about spending a little time without it, focused on God? Let’s choose Him together.
Blessed are you who hunger now,
for you will be satisfied.
~Luke 6:21a
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Fasting is a discipline that doesn’t get much attention any more. I think that’s because denying ourselves anything is in stark contrast to the over indulgent society we live in. But for believers, maybe because of that, it ought to be something we do more… specifically to answer the question you posed at the end of your blog… what are you really hungry for?
I completely agree with you, Karen. I too think we are living in a society that refuses to deny ourselves. It’s quite sad. I hope to be a better example for my children in this important area. We, as believers, should definitely be helping lead by example.
I had to giggle a bit about your couch. Mine is the exact same way. There is a dent and more than springs have broken there. LOL About the food. I know now that God was telling me I am eating myself into a sickness that I won’t be able to come back from. I am still recovering, but eating much less and I thank him everyday for that konk and the head and reminder where my life should be first. Life is much better friend with my focus where it should be. Take care.
That poor old couch of mine, Tammy. My husband has tried to fix my spot many times, but it just crashes through again. I can so relate to this, my friend: “I am eating myself into a sickness that I won’t be able to come back from.” I’m hearing that lately as well. I’m so glad you heeded His call and are finding healing!
I love learning more about fasting from you, Candace! I have never done it, and I don’t know much about it- so this is really interesting and the insights you share inspire me to really think and pray about what ‘food’ I need to make second to God…
That book sounds amazing… Anything he writes is sure to be good and nourishing!
I just love how your heart is always so faithful in the desire to grow a more intimate relationship with God… your such an encouraging voice in my life! Thank you for sharing your walk with us all. In doing so, you are leading many toward Him!! Praise God for your authentic and humble testimony, my dear friend!!
You are always so encouraging, Chris. Thank you for your sweet words, my friend! I’m really enjoying and finding inspiration in learning more about fasting. I always looked at it as extreme- no food/water for days… I’m thrilled to know we can just skip lunch and use that as a time to grow closer to God. The book is wonderful. It’s my first time reading anything from John Piper, but definitely not my last.
I have been working on my relationship with food and my body. I have replaced my obsession with food with an obsession over my weight which has affected my business; since I am a food relationship expert (whatever that means!) Over the last week; I kept hearing God say; surrender more to weigh less and Maureen, your fat is here until you finally hear why its here. So, I have been praying about fasting and feel ready to take action and your book suggestion is just what I needed. Thank you!
I hope it helps, Maureen. It’s honestly one of my very favorite books now. I checked it out from the library but definitely plan to buy it so I can go crazy with a highlighter in it :). I find myself getting obsessive about weight too. I hate how much control that number on the scale has over my life and emotional well being. We will break free from that!
“I want to fully experience an overwhelming appetite for Him.” Longing for this right along with you, Candace! Thank you for this encouragement.
Praying for you to reach that place, Trudy. It may not be easy, but it will be worth it. We can do this, my friend!
Thanks Candace, I absolutely loved you post. Hunger for God is an amazing reminder. It is the best way to overcome al those weary thoughts. Our Lord satisfies our need from hunger for food to hunger for peace and security.
“Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” John 6:35
Thank you for your inspiring words, Naz! Those weary thoughts get the best of me far too often. John 6:35 is the perfect verse to share here. I really need to post that somewhere in my kitchen :).
So thought provoking! I never thought about putting food before God, but it is so easy to turn to food during stressful times.
It really is so easy to turn to food, Akaleistar. I’ve done it for many years. I think fasting will be a big step away from that :).
Very though provoking. One thing I honestly put before God is reading. I’ll read a book over praying. In other words distraction!! Will need to work on that one!
I’m the same way with books, Candice! I have a stack in every room. They are such an easy distraction.
The perfect thing for when you put books before praying, is reading your Bible 🙂 Then you are fueling your obsession and still getting to soak up God’s word and have that personal relationship with Him too.
Great advice, Vona! Thanks for sharing here :).
Candace,
This post hits home for me! It is imperative that we put god first. That is something I learned the hard way. I suffered a stroke. Even though I struggle at times. I am working to spend more time with God without distractions. I love reading His word. I feel like I learn something new about Him and myself too! Big fan of John Piper. I will have to add that book to my ever growing need to read list. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on Blog Hop Thursday. May God richly bless you and yours in all that you do. Have a wonderful weekend!
It usually takes me learning the hard way too, Horace. I’m sorry to hear you suffered something so incredibly serious, but glad it brought you closer to God. This is my first time reading John Piper. I’m definitely impressed and hope to read more of his writing soon. Many blessings to you!
Cozy spots. Yeah, we all have them. Your wise words are causing me to consider what those spots are in my life and if they’re healthy and Christ-honoring or the exact opposite.
I’m always touched in some way when I visit with you, Candace. Thanks for these words which take me into the weekend ahead.
Hugs, girl …
I hope you had a wonderful weekend, Linda! I think we just need to reevaluate all of those cozy spots every once in a while, my friend. They can so easily fall into that unhealthy idol role. Hugs to you!
Yes!!! Friend I am rejoicing with you for your reception to the truth shared in this book. I fast with my church annually, with some girlfriends from time to time. Next week I’ll be fasting having smoothies/juicing only for 3 days. The Holy Spirit nudges me when he wants to tell me more, for me to do more and fasting is a way for me to deny my flesh in order to draw closer to him. There have also been times when I’ve fast because I need clear direction on a matter. I’ve fasted as a means of interceding on others’ behalf. I pray your time spent fasting will take you to new heights in Christ.
I’ve really enjoyed learning more about fasting and all the beautiful reasons to do it. I just bought another book on it today. I knew you would have some words of wisdom on this topic. I love all the reasons you listed, Tyra! Thanks so much for sharing them, my friend.
Beautifully written, Candace. Loved this phrase of yours: “My goal today is to develop a hunger for God over anything else. To choose Him again and again. I struggle to fully rely on anyone, but I’ve decided He is safe.” Will be thinking about what I could be relying on when I should be feasting on Him instead. Thanks for the food for thought this morning. 🙂 So happy to be your neighbor at the weekend whispers linkup. ((blessings))
I’m so glad to have you here, Brenda. I think we all have our “food” that we unfortunately choose over God at times. It can be so many different things for each of us. My recent studies of fasting have really opened my eyes to this issue. May you find your distractions and begin to release them soon. Many blessings!
I understand the cozy spot on the couch. I am sitting in it right now and it is my go to spot. I love how you turn the things we seek for comfort into how we can instead seek God first. This is a lesson I need to hear and work on over and over in my life. I am looking forward to talking more about this on Tuesday. Happy weekend, friend!
I’m so looking forward to hanging out today, Mary! This has been a tough and interesting road for me. Hopefully we can find a way to help each other with some accountability :).
I’m usually not able to sit on the couch before 10PM, and by then I normally get my pick as hubby and kids are off to bed. I’ve been guilty of running to other things before God, especially food. Thank you for the reminder that when we fast, it allows those spaces in our hearts to be filled with more of God. So thankful you shared Weekend Whispers.
I love this, Barbie: “it allows those spaces in our hearts to be filled with more of God.” Absolutely! I fill myself to a maximum capacity with food at times. It’s incredibly unhealthy on every level. Spending some time without any food is really making me see how much I’ve been crowding Him out.
Hi Candace! I really like that quote from Piper that puts fasting in perspective. Not about denying a gift, but loving the Giver more. That’s beautiful.
I have a chair out on my porch that’s like your couch. Worn and creaky, and just right for sitting and praying or thinking. God gives us what we need, doesn’t he? I hope your fasting is going well, and you’re able to keep your energy up!
Monday blessings,
Ceil
There were so many important insights in this book, Ceil. I wish I could have listed more. He has clearly put a lot of time and effort into this topic. My fasting is a work in progress :). I’m taking it slower than I thought I would, but it seems to be the way God is leading me. Blessings to you, my friend!
Candace, I’ve been thinking a lot about fasting lately, also. I talked to a friend who was in the middle of a fast, and I realized how long it had been since I’d fasted. I agree the discipline of fasting has so many wonderful benefits. We need it! Fasting always reminds me of my dependence on Him alone. I can live without many things, but I cannot live without my awesome God. Blessings!
Fasting is a completely new thing for me, Kristine. I never imagined how difficult it would be because of my overwhelming food addiction. I’m excited about continuing to learn how to rely more on God though. What a perfect outcome :)! Many blessings to you as well.
Hi Candace, I am smiling because coincidentally, I downloaded this book a few days ago.
Getting ready to read it.
Thank you for sharing this lovely review and your reflections.
God Bless Candace
I would love to hear your thoughts on it, Ifeoma. I was truly surprised at how much I loved the book. I checked it out from the library, but I’m certain I’ll buy it to keep as a reference. Blessings to you!
Interesting! I don’t know much about this topic, but now I know a little bit more : ) Thanks for sharing these insights, Candace!
You’re so welcome, Bethany. It’s a completely new topic for me. I’m looking forward to researching it a great deal more. It’s truly fascinating and inspiring to me. Thanks for stopping by!
I love that quote about having more time with the Giver vs. the gifts that’s a good one. I need to work on fasting so I can spend more time with the Giver.
That’s one of my favorite quotes in the book, Sonya. It’s so meaningful. I definitely need work in that area as well :).
Candace, I want more than anything to be hungry for God too. Thanks for sharing your testimony and the inspiring quotes from Dr. Piper’so book. So glad I saw this at Holley’so place.
He discusses a great deal of wise instruction, Betsy. It was hard to choose what to share. I’m so glad to have you here from Holley’s inspiring place :).
Thank you for this – What a blessing:)! Fasting is also good for your physical health.
I’m thrilled to learn about all of the helpful benefits of fasting, Bomi. It’s truly amazing how many areas it serves. I’m obsessed with books on this topic right now.
Surely a wonderful read.
It really is, Lux. I hope you get a chance to check it out some time.
As always, such good encouragement here. I like how you tie together when you’re going through and how the book fits into that. Sounds like another good book I should add to my never-ending list. 🙂 Thanks for linking up at #ThreeWordWednesday.
I’m so with you on the never-ending list, Kristin! Mine just keeps growing. Thanks so much for stopping by and encouraging me, my friend :).