Day 3: Cravings

Theme: Letting God Meet Your Needs

Key Verse: “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” - Philippians 4:12 (NIV)

Reflection:
“It is better to be satisfied with what you have than to be always wanting something else.”
— Ecclesiastes 6:9 (GN)

“If we just give God the little that we have, we can trust him to make it go around.”
— Gloria Gaither

Like most kids, Jaime craved her parents’ affection and attention. Her dad, however, craved alcohol. To cope with her unstable alcoholic home, Jaime learned to crave food. But as a survival technique, it failed her, taking her from unhappy to almost hopeless. “My eating disorder destroyed my body and my life. This A+, president of national honors society, V.P. of student council, captain of cross country, and softball star became a college dropout and a bench warmer. I was tired of living a performance-driven life.”

Desperate for answers, she checked in to a treatment center. It was there she heard about someone who could literally change her life. “I surrendered at the feet of Jesus. Since that moment, I have taken his direction for every step toward recovery. Today, because of the grace of Jesus Christ, I have a life. It’s not perfect, but it is beautiful. I’ve learned that only Jesus can meet my needs for acceptance, affirmation, approval, and affection.”

I remember a childhood much like Jaime’s. Food comforted my pain too, giving the other kids ample ammunition. “Umpa Lumpa” or “Little Porker” they called out on the grade school playground. In junior high, I made the unfortunate choice to turn to drugs. I hated how they made me feel, but they numbed the loneliness. In high school, sports became my new addiction. After all, the girls loved jocks. During pre-game warm-ups, I remember hoping Mom or Dad would be in the stands. Mom came to one game. Dad never did.

Today, Jesus meets my needs, just as he meets Jaime’s. His words have brought incredible rest to my soul:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest…for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
— Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

Hungry I Come
All of us have the same basic needs for food, water, air, shelter, and security. We have a need for meaning and purpose in life. Beyond that, most people I have talked to have other emotional needs in their lives as well. Some prefer not to acknowledge them, but they are there. The majority of the people I have coached know they have needs—they’ve stopped running from them and are ready to surrender. They long to turn their craving into true rest in the arms of Christ.

Through our conversations, they come to realize that if they don’t release them to the Lord, those unsatisfied cravings will rob them of the future God has planned for them.

The Bible says:
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.”
— Matthew 11:28-29 (MSG)

Life in Christ truly is the path to life recovery. He promises peace, and he delivers it when we seek him for that purpose.

Action Step:
Reflect on one craving or longing in your life. Ask God to meet that need in His way and timing. Write it down and pray for His peace.