SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                         1082

“Comfort Food”

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction …- 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Comfort foods are foods that provide pleasure and temporarily make us feel better. Eating food high in fat, sugar or salt activates the same reward and pleasure systems in the brain that are active in drug addiction. We all have a tendency to emotional eating where we are drawn to unhealthy comfort foods when dealing with stress or having a bad day.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. – Psalm 23:4

Many Christians are partaking in church wide Daniel Fasts at this time of year. The purpose of Christian fasting is to seek a more intimate relationship with God and build a deeper spiritual connection through prayer. All too often these corporate Daniel fasts are characterized by social media networking of recipes that follow dietary guidelines that are designed to continue to satisfy the pleasures craved by our flesh. The focus has shifted from God to maintaining physical pleasure in food as we endure the 21 day fast. We seem to have lost sight of the true purpose of Christian fasting.

I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh. – John 6:51

God’s Word reminds us that our physical bodies are temples of His Holy Spirit and we are exhorted to take care of it and glorify Him with it.

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

There is nothing wrong with eating comfort foods on occasion. However, indulging our flesh with a steady diet of such foods fails to properly care for His temple. When we seek first the comfort derived from such foods when we are under stress or in a gloomy mood for whatever reason then we have crossed the line into idolatry.

You shall have no other gods before me; But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness…; Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest…- Exodus 20:3; Matthew 6:33; Matthew 11:28-30

May the Holy Spirit guide you to the Living Bread to nourish your soul and comfort you in all afflictions and trials.

May you seek Jesus in prayer first in your time of need for comfort.

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. – 1 Corinthians 10:31