Sweet

Sweet

My child, eat honey, for it is good, and the honeycomb is sweet to the taste. In the same way, wisdom is sweet to your soul. If you find it, you will have a bright future, and your hopes will not be cut short.

DURING MY ANNUAL FORTY-DAY SUGAR FAST, I usually hit my stride by about day ten and finish well. But one year, I was particularly stressed and happened to spot chocolates a friend had given me the day before. In a moment of weakness, I gobbled all four—even the raspberry crème one I’d normally find unpalatable. I ate them so quickly that, within a matter of minutes, I felt sick to my stomach. It was near the end of my fast and my body wasn’t ready for the sugar deluge. That sweetness had a hidden cost.

Although the fast is physical, it often reveals the state of my heart. Forgoing sweets helps me recognize moments I’m tempted to reach for them. On days when a friendship feels strained or a work deadline looms heavily, I’ll find myself sneaking into the pantry for a piece of chocolate. Though there’s nothing wrong with the occasional treat, the fast reminds me that no matter how many sweets I eat, they will never truly satisfy. The fleeting comfort of cake or cookies can never replace our Comforter.

Many things in life appear sweet but only serve to make us sick or worse than when we started. Our attempts to satisfy through substitutions can come in many forms: overspending, an overly full calendar, bingeing TV shows or movies, numbing ourselves with an overabundance of food or drink, or too much time scrolling social media.

Thankfully, God’s wisdom is freely given and always available. His wisdom is the sweetest thing this life has to offer, and the Bread and Living Water he provides are the only items that will never run out, never run dry, never cause regret, and never leave us dissatisfied. Instead, he will fill our hearts and our minds with things that are true, and noble, and lovely. Wisdom helps us foster the sweetness of friendships, the power of justice and mercy, and the wonder of his love. What a banquet to feast upon!

Lord, thank you that your wisdom provides true sweetness. Help us recognize the value in listening and following your Word. Amen.

-Kristin

One Good Word: Choose a piece of God’s wisdom —a verse or passage—and memorize it.