Increase My Appetite
Our appetites can have us craving all sorts of things in life. At every stop light on our commutes, we can find something to tantalize our tastebuds! I’m usually in search of a good piece of chocolate! If you have ever had the opportunity to go to an extravagant dinner where several courses are served, either at a wedding or a progressive dinner, you can find that though you are getting full, you still find an increase in your appetite for more! There is delight to the tummy to linger at a table where the food served has been carefully prepared with fresh ingredients coupled with creativity. There should be just one rule for such feast; however, only elastic waist-banded pants are allowed!
As a mother of four teens, three of them young men, I know what it is to see an increase for hunger! Once as young infants, they had need to nurse every two hours. As toddlers, the amount of snacks that were consumed were high! And with each growth spurt, their bodies still required more fuel to recharge. The grocery bill over the years has steadily increased to meet the demands of their appetites.
In this present season, we will begin to pull out favorite recipes and prepare our grocery lists. Now, I love a good second helping of a great meal! Jesus said that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness would be filled (Matt 5:6). The eating habits of the Kingdom are opposite of how the world teaches.
The world says control portions. The Kingdom says hunger is ok.
The world says cut back on certain food groups. The Kingdom says desire more.
The world says increase water intake. The Kingdom says one drink and we are filled.
The world says eat, drink, and be merry, but the Word said it first. (Ecclesiastes 8:15)
Our desire for MORE of the Lord will actually never lead to obesity, health issues, bloating, or weight gain. But rather, it offers abundant life, radiance, and joy!
There is an invitation waiting for you to join the King at His table, to have communion with Him and “taste and see that the Lord is good.” Psalm 34:8. The table has been set, and there is a place card with your name on it. The Lord is beckoning you to come and join Him from soup to nuts.
Appetizers:
As you come into His presence, note the flavor pairings of these introductory delicacies. Their interestingly small offerings still tantalize your tastebuds and should have you hoping for MORE.
Soup and Salad:
As you are now seated at His lavish table, you become aware of how expensive this meal is. His banner over you is love, and the spread laid before you is exotic. The soup and salad are served and you feel at home. The recipe used seems to be handed down for generations.
Main Course:
As you prepare for the main course, you notice that you are actually hungry. HOW COULD THIS BE? You have already enjoyed such extraordinary fare, yet your anticipation grows as the aromas increase in the room. As the main course is served, you weep at not only its presentation but there seems to be love woven into every bite. It is the most delicious food you have ever eaten. But there are only two items on the plate. Bread and juice. The remembrance wrapped within their goodness is overwhelming. You are undone in His presence.
Dessert:
You can hardly even fathom indulging in one more course, but you are immovable from His table. Dessert is served. His words are sweeter than honey. (Psalm 119:103). He is joy unspeakable (I Peter 1:8).
The table is cleared, and long valuable conversation is shared between you and He. Cold, clear water is served to cleanse your palate. You’ve never been more refreshed. (Psalm 42:7)
Nuts:
The conversation continues and on. Snack foods are now brought out to continue the warm dialogue between you.
You are FILLED and overflowing. But you’ll be back tomorrow for MORE. And you recall the words of Matthew 5:6, “Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness”…..ah yes, “shall be filled.”
Try this bold prayer before your next “meal”:
“Jesus, I desire to know you more. I desire to see an increase in my life of divine understanding of the Kingdom. I desire to not only have a wet appetite but a true hunger for righteousness. Let me spirit growl for more and yet rest in the sweet, divine abundance of being filled. As I walk in the fullness of knowing You more, I pray I continue to press in further for second helpings. And thirds, and fourths. And dessert. And snacks. I just want more of You in my life and to know You more. -Amen”
