In Chapter 5 (“The God of Food”) of Gods at War, Kyle Idleman discusses why we may look to food for comfort rather than the Comforter. When we eat, the author observes, we’re not just looking for bodily sustenance, but satisfaction. And God is lavish in His gifts- including our enjoyment of food. Problems occur, however, when we look to food to do for us what our Lord should do. Pastor Idleman states:
“When life goes wrong, our first impulse frequently is to turn to food. It’s easy, it’s readily available, and the sense of taste is a powerful distraction.”
Indeed, we refer to certain types of food as “comfort food”. Food provides a quick and temporary shot of comfort. As the author humorously notes: “When the going gets tough, the tough get chewing.” Yet it is the Prince of Peace who patiently waits to give us His gifts and strengthen us. Jesus desires to be our satisfaction. Frank Ferrell beautifully describes this disconnect:
“A very large part of mankind’s ills and of the world’s misery is due to the rampant practice of trying to feed the soul with the body’s food.”
Our only sense of lasting pleasure comes from the Lord- it is part of His purpose and design for us.
Today’s question: What “comfort foods” distract you from finding solace in Jesus? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “When God competes with His own blessings”
