What feeds you?

In college, I had a paper taped to my wall called "natural highs." It was a simple list of activities that, if done, would let you release a contented sigh; something that energized you from doing a simple thing. Things like the smell of fresh baked cookies; sitting in a field of grass with the warm sun on your skin; petting a puppy or snuggling a kitten; taking a walk through the woods; a 5 mile run. It's funny how that list would change for me now, 20 years later. Mine would include, "seeing your kids happy; connecting with other moms; silence on the porch; eating from the garden." LOL! It doesn't matter what is on your list- it is whatever helps you release the crud and stress of your current life. These are activities that feed something deep within you, and in turn creates a satisfied, happy moment. Think about it for a minute; what would be on your list?

When it comes to knowing God, it can seem far reaching or unrealistic, and nothing that would be included on a ‘natural high’ list. The truth is that it is exceedingly simple. It is as simple as anything from our 'natural highs' list. And, to be sure, it is something that makes you and your life even better than a happy moment from a list.

To know God, we need to be well fed. Just like any relationship, there won’t be one if you do not have effort in it. A relationship with God will feed you and strengthen you. But what is it to be well fed?

We are well fed when our soul is filled. We can make decisions with a sound mind and we have an unspeakable contentment in our spirit. When God is in your life, these things are easily filled. But you have some work to do. You must meet with God, acknowledge Him in your life, and learn about Him and how He helps you. I have been in so many situations where God has filled my spirit and taught me. It could be talking to a friend, reading a book, or reading the bible. When I am in tune with God by meeting with Him every day, I am fully fed and can hear what God is nudging me to do. We lose focus so easily and miss His direction. He is not going away from us; it’s our own “natural” desire to feel in control of our lives, even though, if we really think about it, we have no control. Allow God to enter this space and fill you with His presence.

To be fed, I believe God meets us to teach us with whatever speaks to us. There are so many different mediums these days, and I believe God can speak through any of them. Visual, audio, musical, written; all of it will work. These are the supplements that aid in our learning about God, in addition to prayer and reading of the bible.

Jesus demonstrated to us how we could be well fed and meet with God. There are many instances in the bible in which he went away to be alone and prayed. We can learn from Jesus how to meet with God, because He did it too! I read one time that it’s also important to look at when Jesus would pray. This is important because it shows that He needed time with God as much as we do, during different circumstances He was facing. He needed rest, He needed comfort, He believed God would hear His prayer, He needed guidance in making decisions, and He had desires in His heart but sought to do God’s will.

Luke 5:16 says “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” This was the time His reputation was becoming more and more known, and people were flocking to Him to hear Him preach and to heal their diseases. He knew He needed strength, and He also knew He could only obtain that strength through spending time with God. We also have a lot that is demanded of us. It is so easy to get distracted, isn’t it? Even simple things vie for our attention. Be intentional about setting time aside to meet with God. Pray, read and learn about Him, and be filled with strength for your day. You will begin to see a difference in your life.

When Jesus knew He was going to be under very difficult trials, He prayed earnestly. He even knew His disciples needed strength and prayer for the coming difficulty. This is the night before His crucifixion.

And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.” Luke 22:44 -46

How many times do we pray and try to learn more about God in the midst of hardship? Agony? Willing to do what God wants you to do despite the difficulty you face? How many times do we 'fall asleep' in learning more about Him? In learning what He desires for us? In praying for the right direction? These are difficult questions to answer for ourselves, but it is important for us to grow and be well fed. God will give us the strength we need. Just before the previous verse, it says,

Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. Luke 22:39-43

We may not see angels, but God sends His spirit to encourage us from within. It may not make your trial easier, but it will give you the strength to get through it.

Did you know that Jesus also prayed before big decisions? Luke 6:12 states

One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. When morning came, he called his disciples (learners) to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles (messengers)...(Parenthesis mine)

Jesus had the big decision of whom to designate as His messengers, the ones who would go out on His authority. (In the bible, they are usually referred to as disciples, but this verse distinguishes all His learners as disciples, and the 12 men He chooses as apostles). He went to God- and prayed all night long- for guidance on who to choose. How often do we pray- let alone all night- for a decision we have to make? I often find myself asking, “why haven’t I been praying about this all along??” God gives us grace, but start making a list. Refer to it when you pray so that you remember. And put that list where you will see it every day. As you see prayers answered, you will be encouraged and strengthend. You will see God working, and it will make your desire to pray even stronger, more natural. Your endorphins will rise and you will start to learn more about God from a curious state of mind. See how it all works together to make sure you are fed by the Spirit?

As we can see, Jesus made sure that He was well fed by God in every circumstance He faced. There are many more in the bible to learn from- Jesus was here to show us. Pray often. Pray continuously. Let yourself be filled and encouraged by God, and you will find help.

Have you ever tried to read the bible, and after a minute, you just say, What? Yes. I understand. It is essential for us to read what the bible actually says (and in the proper context), but we also need supplemental resources to help us understand in today's terms (I sure need help!). I have found so many books that have shaped my walk with God because it related to what I was going through at that time. They have fit different seasons of my life, such as depression, being a new mom, how I could actually hear from God. Reading is my medium of choice, it these books guided me to a closer relationship with Jesus. Although not exhaustive, see my reading list here.

So maybe you have a punch list of things that bring you joy and release those endorphins. I encourage you to peruse things that speak to you- podcasts, videos, books- and let your soul be filled with teachings that will bring you closer to Jesus. And then, pray. <3

Dear God, Help me be well fed by Your Spirit. Find me in the dark places, and help me find the resources I need to learn more about you. Help me to have an open heart as I read and hear, and help me discern Your truth. Thank you for guiding me and being ever present as I grow.

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011

I am not a Bible scholar or preacher, I am just a girl who loves Jesus. This is my interpretation of things I have learned. I hope it can encourage you and lead you to the bible to see the truth for yourself. :-)