Real Meal Deal

5/26/09 (Isaiah 55:1-3) What’s a “real meal deal to you?” Some might say, “…anything as long as I don’t have to cook it.” Or in a similar vein, “…if someone else is picking up the tab.” We all approach eating differently, not only in our food choices but also in our styles. Some are grazers so a buffet appeals to them. Others start by checking out the desserts first and order the rest of their caloric intake accordingly. Some folks even prefer meals because of the time of day they are normally served. How about eating styles---are you a little bite here and there as you savor each morsel and intersperse your dining with conversation? Or are you one who just eats all that’s in front of you as quickly as possible---maybe with a little “Wheel of Fortune” or “Nightly News” thrown in. Leftovers anyone? Some folks love them. Some won’t touch them. Those who enjoy them appreciate the rich flavors that seem to meld over time---just not so much time that they change color. Is your entrée always meat? Does a drink enhance your meal or detract from it. Does “saving the best for last” apply to you as you order dessert? Do you leave the table full and happy and go plop in a chair or do you choose to walk off a little of the meal? How about when you “taste” God’s Word? We all approach His Presence differently---but it’s through His word that we are able to “taste and see that God is good.” (Psalm 34:8) Living in a sin-saturated world as we do, it can be very difficult to find good, especially in the midst of deep pain and betrayal or difficult circumstances. Many people even try to bury the pain or emptiness with more food, often compounding the problem. We’re looking for satisfaction in all the wrong places. Like the “happy meals” of our local drive thru, we want something quick, (instant relief) that hits the spot, (meets our desires) doesn’t cost much (of our time, energy or $) and gives us a prize (one we select) in the end. We often use a “happy meal” approach to knowing God. We want Him to quickly meet us where we are, solve our deep gnawing hunger without asking too much of us and give us a prize, this side of heaven. We have unrealistic expectations of life. I heard one gal say, as tragedy struck, “This isn’t the movie I bought the ticket for.” In a way that’s true for all of us the first time “life” really doesn’t meet our expectations. It’s a false theology that teaches that life will always be easy and pleasant. The reality is that pain will come……….but so can joy. Deep joy can come even in hardship and suffering when we are in an abiding relationship with the Lord. We need to quit feeding on these false notions and “feed” on Him. Find your favorite time of day---if you like breakfast food, meet Him then. If you’re a night owl---meet Him for a midnight snack. If you want to graze, write a key verse or passage and take that morsel with you so you can feed on His Word throughout the day. Maybe the next day you could pair the “leftover” verse with a new but similar one to get a rich new taste of truth. If you want to “dine,” add inspirational music or create a cozy spot---maybe a “seat with a view” of His creation. Enjoy! Don’t rush through just to say you’ve noshed. Gorging on large obscure passages can cause pain as well, especially if you’re new at digesting His word. Take a few little bites at first and ask Him to teach you as you savor those truths. Then get up and exercise (put into practice) the truths that He has taught you---the more you use it, the more He will teach you. It will be like an on-going feast where you never get fat in an unhealthy way. Knowing Him takes time and energy but once you’ve tasted the “meat” & had a drink of the “living water,” “His words will become the “joy and the delight of your heart.” (Jeremiah 15:16) Find them and eat them!