For Spiritual Nourishment

For Spiritual Nourishment

WHEN I CATCH MYSELF BEING CRANKY for more than one day, I immediately know that I need to withdraw and spend more time with God. Do you sometimes feel this way? Spiritual hunger and physical hunger share some of the same symptoms, and they can both turn us into women we don’t want to be. In fact, hangry (the clever blend of hungry and angry) is an actual word!

Being irritable, joyless, and moody are spiritual symptoms. Certainly anyone can experience a bad day. (The car breaks down, the roof leaks, and the kids are out of control.) But when one irritable day spirals into a series of irritable days, the cure is withdrawing and spending more time in prayer with God.

Prayer is the mechanism that nourishes our souls. Only God can stop the spiritual pangs that dwell within. Luke 5:16 states, “Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.” And in our own humanity, we’ll often have to pull away and do the same.

STRENGTH IN THE WORD

He satisfied their hunger with manna—bread from heaven.

TODAY I DECLARE

I will not ignore my spiritual hunger.

PRAYERFUL THOUGHTS

Dear Lord,

I’m starving for your presence. I’ve been running on empty for too long. With the demands and responsibilities that try to rule my life, I feel depleted—completely drained. Please help me to escape the busyness that leaves me empty. Fill me with the nourishment that you offer. Pour into my spirit until I overflow, and replenish the peace and strength that I need.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

KEEPSAKE

“Prayer is the mechanism that nourishes our souls.”