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In recent years, I have become more aware. Rather than just following it without thought, I am finally becoming more conscious of this drive, this hunger. I catch and "see" the signs. And, I am starting to see what triggers the feeling.
The hunger? Simply put, I just want to eat. And, then I want to eat more. Something a little sweet. Something a little salty. Now, I want something more that is sweet... and on it goes. The desire is strong. The pull can be intense. I can go (mentally or actually) scrounging through the kitchen and find myself something tasty to bring relief to the "hunger" within.
Am I the only one?
Am I the only one?
My husband assures me that I am not alone in my hunger---although his voracious "eating" doesn't include food. He is driven or pulled toward media, he explains. He just wants to watch, or to research, or to read random news articles. But, he too is aware of the drive and the intense pull. We aren't alone in this drive to numb, to relax, to calm, to get-back-to-equilibrium. We just crave different things to fill the hunger...
What do you crave?
What do you crave?
I do know my triggers... at least in part. I have written before of my tired temptations. For instance, I know that when I am exhausted---physically, emotionally or spiritually---I can find the lure-to-numb really inviting! I am still not quite sure where I learned this pattern---when did I learn to go to food to feed the emptiness that exhaustion can bring? But certainly, when I am tired... I want to eat. And, I want to numb. The question I have been asking is why? and when?
Does the food actually give me a burst of energy? Maybe. Or, does it give me comfort? Maybe even a bit. ...a learned comfort, at least. But, does it give me what I really need in those tired moments? Most definitely not. The interesting thing is that my drive to food is never satisfied and if I indulge the cravings... I am never satisfied. I never find rest, peace or equilibrium when I eat to fill that void. In fact, quite the opposite happens! Filling this "hunger" with unnecessary food often produces a cycle of frustration, annoyance and irritation with myself.
Does the food actually give me a burst of energy? Maybe. Or, does it give me comfort? Maybe even a bit. ...a learned comfort, at least. But, does it give me what I really need in those tired moments? Most definitely not. The interesting thing is that my drive to food is never satisfied and if I indulge the cravings... I am never satisfied. I never find rest, peace or equilibrium when I eat to fill that void. In fact, quite the opposite happens! Filling this "hunger" with unnecessary food often produces a cycle of frustration, annoyance and irritation with myself.
What do I truly need in these moments?? I need rest. ... rest. I need rest and peace and equilibrium. I need Jesus.
The very Person of Jesus is the obvious answer to my true needs. His Presence offers me rest. "Come to Me, all you who are weary...and I will give you rest", He says. "The peace I give is from Me...not like the world's peace", he invites me in. He is my manna, the Bread of Life that will nourish. In Him I can find filling and satisfaction. In Him I have found fullness!
This powerful urge within... may it draw me into You, Lord Jesus. May I receive from You all I need!! Change the "natural" and automatic response within me to run to food and other things... may I learn to run to You and find my rest in You alone.
Where (or to who... or to what) do you go when you are tired or exhausted?