Recently my husband and I launched a diet of sorts. I’ve been reading about how our bodies operate best when fed true food, healthy and fresh and whole. As I think about how to effectively feed my body this week, it is natural that I would also explore how to feed my soul. It stands to reason that our souls would also function best when fed correctly.
This observation is why, perhaps, Psalm 37:3 struck me so deeply this morning.
“Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.” (NKJV)
What does it mean to feed on God’s faithfulness? What would it look like? I picture two scenarios in my head.
In the first scenario I see horses feeding upon lush grass in a field. Their heads are down, grazing leisurely. Their tails lazily swish flies away. Their backs absorb the warm afternoon sun. It’s peaceful, enjoyable—an ongoing feeding process as they munch and linger.
The second scenario is less relaxing but just as sweet. I picture my boys, two years and six months old, feeding upon each other’s energy. The older makes a spitting sound that only a two year old boy can appreciate, and then the younger smiles and gasps. His eyes dance as he encourages his brother to continue. The enthusiasm and volume level escalate as their shared joy swirls around them. They feed upon each other’s excitement to keep the playtime going.
I imagine “feeding upon God’s faithfulness” to be similar to these scenarios—a restful enjoyment of God’s presence and promises all day. Or perhaps a wild revel in His goodness and constancy that makes you want to dance and scream and giggle and maybe even make ridiculous spitting noises.
I continue chewing on that verse, and I wonder why we are encouraged to feed on God’s faithfulness as opposed to His many other appealing qualities? His faithfulness is what causes Him to be steadfast, unchanging, true, constant. He won’t leave. He won’t change. His faithfulness will sustain. His faithfulness will carry you through your day, toddler tantrums and sticky rice on the carpet and all.
Friends, your God won’t leave. He won’t change. Can I encourage you today to let your soul feed on His faithfulness, however that might look for you? Enjoy Him moment by moment. Find your sustenance in His constancy, His unshakable goodness. Let His joy bubble up inside as you graze on His faithfulness through the hours. You might find that it’s the best meal you’ve ever had.
by Evelyn Rennich, Smallish.
(Photo by Beautiful Meadow)
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Betty says
Very powerful message this morning. Thank you! Needed it!!!!!!
Evelyn @ Smallish says
All to the King, Betty. Blessings to you!
Missy says
This thought is fortifying, in and of itself! Thank you for teasing out what that might look like. I feel fuller and more fulfilled when I focus on God’s ever-presence. I was encouraged greatly by this post!
Evelyn @ Smallish says
So happy to hear that, Missy. How blessed we are to have a faithful God, right?!
Ellie says
Thank you, dear Evie!
Evelyn @ Smallish says
Thanks for reading, Ellie.
Angie says
oh thank you – yes, Lord with your help i will feed on your faithfulness all day, all week long. I love your Lord.
Evelyn @ Smallish says
Beautiful prayer, Angie. I second that for me!
Alice says
Thank you for your powerful message. I pray that God would uphold all the victims and people of Boston with His right hand of righteousness. He will heal all of them in Jesus name. Amen.
I pray for the person that sent this message that God will bless her and make His face to shine upon her and be merciful onto her.
Please pray that God will show me His purpose for my life and will help me to fulfill it. I need God’s help and guidance desperately.
Evelyn @ Smallish says
Sweet, sweet prayer, Alice. May God bless you deeply!
Beth Williams says
Wonderful message. Wish I could be with the horses just feeding and grazing on God’s wonderful faithfulness. Truly I wish I would start living like I believed in God’s faithfulness instead of worrying about stuff!
Thanks for the thoughts and insights!
Evelyn @ Smallish says
I’m with you there, Beth. If we could actually EAT His faithfulness, it would be easier! 🙂
Kathy says
Please pray for my family as we are still dealing with the unexpected loss of our mother. My son just learned that the job he wanted was given to someone else. He told me that he was so discouraged with life that he could end it all. We have been through so much recently and I feel so battle weary. I too am in need of a new career. The attacks on this family have been very intense for the last few months… guess that means that we are just right for miracles!!!!
Thanks for praying. I am praying for each one of you.
Blessings,
K
Evelyn @ Smallish says
Lord, I ask for comfort and strength for Kathy and her family. As you promise in 2 Chron. 9:16, please show Yourself strong to her, as she is loyal to You!
Karena says
Please pray for the depression I am dealin with. Hope to get this under control soon. Satan is really attacking by body and mind
Evelyn @ Smallish says
Lord, I pray that Your joy will chase away the depression and free Karena from its grasp. You are bigger than depression, Father, and mighty to save!
Harlene Youngberg says
My husband after 33 years of marriage left me 5 years ago. I am disabled, my grown daughter is no longer talking with any of the family. I have given her space but it is so hard, I have asked her forgiveness but she won’t tell me why she no longer is in contact with us. I can’t see my grand babies, her children. I have clung to The Lord and He has been my very present help in time of trouble. I believe The Lord will restore to me what the enemy has taken. Both my children, my daughter and son are not trusting The Lord. My husband has walked away from The Lord and is living a very destructive life apart from God. It is so hard to see my family so broken. The Lord is my husband and I have surrendered my family into the Lord’s care. I will keep praying for the healing of my family. Many have said that my suffering along with my continued trust in The Lord has been an encouragement to them. I know that The Lord will never leave me or forsake me. I choose joy even though my heart is breaking. I am thankful that The Lord is a man of sorrows acquainted with grief. Thank you Lord that you are my family, help me to be steadfast, trusting you and your Word that one day you will in your time make all things beautiful, until that day, I will rest in you.
Evelyn @ Smallish says
Lord, I thank You that You are near to the brokenhearted and near to Harlene. Will You visit her in a special, undeniable, encouraging way today? Grant her peace in the midst of difficult and trying circumstances. All glory and honor to You, our King.