Jesus answered by quoting Deuteronomy: "It takes more than bread to stay alive. It takes a steady stream of words from God's mouth" Matthew 4:4 MSG
We all can agree that nutrition is important. If we desire to live a healthy life we have to be mindful of what we put into our bodies. Healthy eating is the first step to healthy living. We become more conscious of our habits and we try to implement new strategies to keep us accountable to the life we always envisioned for ourselves. Everyone wants to be able to live a long healthy fulfilled life.
However, today's scripture points us to a very important truth. Taking care of our bodies is one thing but we often forget to take care of our souls and nurture our spirits. Our spirit must be strengthened and given the necessary nutrients to be vibrant and full of life. The word of God is the nutrient for our complete being; it gives us direction, instruction and guidance on how to take care of our bodies, soul and spirit.
When Jesus was approached by the devil in the wilderness after he had fasted for 40 days and 40 nights he was hungry. The enemy thought that it was the perfect time to bring temptation to Jesus because he would be in a vulnerable state. Little did he know that Jesus was ready to stand against any temptation that would be presented to him. Jesus' focus was not on addressing his natural man with food but the point of the fast was to yield to God's will and feast on his word.
Our Savior was able to boldly decline the enemy's offer of turning stones into bread. Jesus made it clear that he relies on the steady stream of God's word. In other words, even though I might be in a vulnerable position, I am not relying on my own strength to overcome whatever state I find myself but I am relying on the word of God.
It is the word of God that sustains our lives. Jesus is the word that was made flesh and dwelt among men. It is because of Jesus that we can lay hold of the truth of his word and not fall into temptation. He is the bread of life that provides everything we can ever need. When we allow the word to get on the inside of us, it begins to fill the void of whatever we are lacking.
So, while we are thinking of how to maintain our physical bodies, it is time to give some tender loving care to our soul and spirit. We need the word of God to minister to us every day. It's necessary to treat the word of God like the very thing we can't live without.
So pray with me: Lord, I want to be filled with your word. May the desire of your word be planted deep within my heart. Father, help me to seek you when I feel vulnerable so I do not fall into the enemy's plan. I asked that you will equip me through the word and your precious Holy Spirit. I want more than anything to live by your words, for they are life to this that finds it. I receive your word in my heart anew in Jesus name. Amen.
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