Sunday Soothings

Jeremiah 15:16 “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.”

Taking nourishment means different things to different people.

It may mean eating food – what type of food that might be varies greatly.

It may mean vitamins and supplements.

For others, it may mean the arts and entertainment because of how it feeds their soul. Music may soothe the heart of the one depressed. The solace of a book may provide a way to escape the stress of life for a while.

Jeremiah, the prophet, speaks of a spiritual food.

Jesus pointed us in the same direction.

Matthew 4:4 “But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”

The sustenance and health of the life of the body has become a profitable business. Man has searched to try to find the ‘fountain of youth’ – enamored with the thought of living forever. As a child of God, I already have the promise of life eternal in Heaven with my Savior.

As for this earthly tabernacle, I am told it will return unto the dust from which it was formed. It is sinful flesh. It has been the source of much consternation in my life. I have had to bear its sinful tendencies all my life. Only in death will I experience the freedom I so long to have.

But while we live here, God has promised us spiritual food that will feed our spirit. – it is the principal element of Daily Manna – “Food for the spirit from the Spirit”. It should also be the principle by which each child of God grows closer to the God of Heaven.

The more I read, the more wonderful my Savior becomes. The more I read, the deeper I find His love, mercy, grace and forgiveness is to me. I grow in assurance that God is all I need for life. Meditation allows the Holy Spirit to reveal to my heart truths I may haver never seen on the surface. It cuts deeply.

Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

The conviction we feel; the ‘piercing’ of the Word of God, is my spirit being affected by that sword in my life. Seek it. Desire it. Long for it.

The absence of that longing and desire is the deadness of our heart to spiritual matters. As we go off to our places of worship this Sunday, pray and ask God to speak directly to your need. Ask that your heart be pricked with any and all sin that stands in the way of His work in your life.

True worship is not the fervor or fever pitch of the music in our services; it is the fruit which God’s people take out of the church to a lost and dying world. A clean vessel in the hands of our Master will bring about the salvation of our neighbors, our coworkers and unsaved family members.

Pray for God not only to speak to your heart today – ask that He be lifted up so that all may see Him clearly.