When I was younger, I had an enormous sweet tooth. Cake, doughnuts, cookies… if it had sugar, I could and would devour it. Every night before bed, I had some sort of dessert, and my favorite and usual treat was a milkshake. It started as a small one, but as time progressed, my cup got larger and larger until my nighttime snack had grown into a 32-ounce peanut butter shake.
However, about ten years ago, my husband and I began a healthy regimen and changed our eating habits. Strangely, if I indulge in something sweet or fried now, it does not set very well. Lethargy sets in, and it feels like I have eaten a brick that refuses to digest. For example, as much as I love the taste of biscuits and gravy, it is one of those meals that makes me want to go back to bed. I would rather begin my day with a bowl of oatmeal or a protein and fruit smoothie that gives me the energy and stamina for an active day. In essence, the food choices that I make affect the overall productivity and outcome of my day.
But our physical bodies are not the only nourishment we need on a daily basis. In Matthew 4:4, when Jesus is being tempted by the devil, He responds by quoting scripture. Jesus answered, “…it is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (KJV).
On my journey, I continue to discover the truth in these words more and more. Typically, I read a devotion, study my Bible, recite scripture, and have prayer time first thing each morning. Spending time with God as soon as I get up sets my tone for the day. Reading and quoting verses aloud allows me to not only see God’s Word but also audibly hear His word. I begin with my focus on Jesus and fuel my mind and heart with His words, which give me the strength to endure the trials and tribulations in the hours to come.
Yet, the other morning, one little thing after another crept in and disheveled my usual routine. From waking up later than normal to a family member with a sore throat to an early morning appointment, I let my morning Bible study slip through the cracks, and my time with God was rushed. My thoughts were a blur, and I was filled with anxiety. That is not to say that I am anxiety-free on other days. Anxiety is one of my weaknesses and an area that the enemy relentlessly attacks. But on this particular day, I skipped my spiritual breakfast, which affected my ability to extinguish those arrows.
So, let’s never miss breakfast with Jesus.
