Eating is a spiritual activity – God designed it that way.  So the way we approach our food can help lead us toward God or away from Him.

Soul food comes only from God

Jesus taught us to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread,” (Matt. 6:11) to remind us that our daily food is all a gift from God and we can trust Him to give us what we need.

Here are 5 food habits that can help draw you closer to Him today:

BEFORE EATING:

1. Say Thanks.

Before putting anything in your mouth, say a quick prayer of thanks to God for providing for your needs.  Taking a moment to focus on the Provider can help keep your heart in the right place as you eat.  It can also remind you that God is able to provide for all your needs .  So if you get full before finishing that delicious fajita or turkey sandwich – remember that He is able to provide more delicious food in the future.  You don’t have to eat it all right now.

DURING EATING:

2.  Eat mindfully.

So often we plow right through our plate without really even tasting or enjoying our food.  We’re merely chewing and swallowing.  Instead, as you eat, pay attention to the flavors and textures of the food.  Eat slowly and savor each bite.  Eating mindfully will also allow you to notice when you begin to get pleasantly full – which is your signal that it’s time to stop eating, even if there’s still food on your plate.

3. Set your fork down.

This is another way of slowing down during the meal so that your body has time to digest and send the signal to your brain that your stomach is full (which takes about 20 minutes).  Setting your fork down every few bites can also help you alternate your focus between what you’re eating and who you may be eating with.  This is great for building relationships and enjoying their company.

BETWEEN EATING:

4.  Notice your food triggers.

Many of us are emotional eaters.  This leads us to eat even at times when we’re not hungry – and then to keep eating way past the point of being full.  When you’re between meals, pay attention to the times when your mind starts to drift toward food.  Often there will be some emotional trigger that is prompting you to find quick relief in the refrigerator.  If you can pinpoint the emotions that trigger your desire to eat, you can then begin to deal directly with those emotions.  C.S. Lewis once said that pain is God’s megaphone – let whatever emotional pain or discomfort you’re feeling be a trigger to lead you not to food, but to God.  He alone can provide the relief you’re seeking.

5.  Wait for hunger.

Hunger is a God-given gift to remind us of our need for God.  It reminds us many times a day that God is our Provider, the One who loves us and wants to give us good gifts.  Waiting for hunger allows us to wait on God, trusting Him to be our loving Father who delights to give His children good things.

Each time you hear the pantry calling your name, pause for a moment and check in with God.  Ask Him to help you discern WHY you want to eat.  Are you physically hungry?  Or are you spiritually or emotionally hungry?

If you’re physically hungry, then enjoy the good food that God provides.

If you’re spiritually or emotionally hungry, then let that hunger draw you back to God.

Jesus said, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst”  (John 6:35).  Ask Him to fill your heart today with His true bread, and to help you wait on physical hunger before eating.

Which of these ideas have you found helpful in the past?  Which ideas do you want to try today?  

Take a moment and share a comment below –then check back to see how others are facing this food journey with God.