God And A Piece Of Chocolate
I was listening to the radio once and a woman said she relies on God but that she needs chocolate. I bet there are many women (maybe some men) who feel this way. Even though it was said jokingly, there is also some truth in it.
I love and desire chocolate. Sweet, bitter, dark chocolate. It satisfies a craving. Indulging in it gives pleasure, joy, even satisfaction. It improves my mental status and my moods. And just what everyone wants to hear, there are even health benefits of dark chocolate. Yeah!
There are studies to prove the benefits that come from devouring the delicacy. [1] But along with the benefits, there can also be too much of a good thing. If you read the studies, there are suggestions of how much (or rather how little) a person should eat to gain the benefits without having to worry about the “bad” that goes along with it. Now we like to hear about the benefits but we tend to ignore or just overlook the warnings of overindulging.
It’s the same with God. (Stay with me.)
(1) Worshipping and praising God satisfies a craving.
Psalm 119:103 (NKJV) “How sweet are Your words to my taste, Sweeter than honey to my mouth!”
Psalm 34:8 (NKJV) “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!”
(2) Indulging, or yielding, to the Spirit, resting in His presence brings pleasure, joy and satisfaction beyond anything else, even chocolate.
Psalm 144:15 (NKJV) “Happy are the people who are in such a state; Happy are the people whose God is the Lord!”
(3) My moods and mental status improves because His thoughts become mine.
Romans 12:2 (NKJV) “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
Philippians 4:7-9 (NKJV) “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.”
(4) As we take time to study His Word, we will be able to heed the warnings of things we should stay away from for our own benefit. His words are not just suggestions of how to live, but a real life “step-by-step how-to”. When we heed His instructions then we activate His promises that He has made to us.
Psalm 119:104-105 (NKJV) “Through Your precepts I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way. Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.”
(5) And the benefits? Out of this world! Literally.
John 14:2-4 (NKJV) “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know.”
Best of all, there’s no such thing as overindulging in Christ!
No matter what is going on, everything seems better after being with God – and eating piece of chocolate.
[1] http://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/benefits-of-chocolate#.- accessed 3/19/14