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My food journey took an interesting turn last night.
Over the last few weeks, God has been leading me on a food journey, and I’ve learned how much I depend on food for comfort instead of God. I thought this food journey was coming to an end, but it appears it is just beginning. (Which is why this post is labeled part 1; I have a feeling there is more to come!)
Last night, I was watching The Chosen season four, and I was struck by how simple the food was that Martha served Jesus. Don’t get me wrong, it was elaborate in those days: bread with peach slices and a blackberry sprinkled with almond slivers and drizzled with honey. Jesus even remarked he thought Martha did something special with the bread. She confesses she snuck some lemon and mint in there. Jesus tells her the food is “divine”, and honestly, it looked that way to me.
This isn’t the first time the simplicity of food in The Chosen has struck me. In the first season, we see Eden cutting up cucumber not to serve on an elaborate salad, but to serve sliced on its own. At one point in season four, the disciples stop to purchase handfuls of pistachios from a vendor on the side of the road. Numerous scenes show the disciples passing bowls of olives to each other, treating them like a delicacy.
They make simple foods look amazing. And it makes me wonder if I have food all wrong.
My 40-day sugar fast
I recently finished the book “Full” by Asheritah Cui Cui, and it inspired me to do a 40-day sugar fast. I have an issue with dessert-type food in particular: cookies, cake, ice cream, etc. My husband asked how strict I would be with the fast, especially because my birthday is during the 40-day window.
So, I came up with some exceptions for my fast that I thought would be reasonable. For example, if someone were to make or serve me a sugary treat for my birthday, I would graciously accept, eat a normal-sized portion, and freeze any leftovers for later. I have allergies to gluten and dairy, so providing safe sweet treats for me is one of the ways people have learned to show me they love me. I don’t want my fast to get in the way of my relationship with others (I also don’t believe that is God’s intention for my fast, which I’ll get to in a second).
I’m also not avoiding all sugar: fruits are OK, body armor drinks are acceptable if my electrolytes are low, and things like mayonnaise, which contain a tiny amount of sugar, are still fine. My goal isn’t to make anyone’s life difficult or to waste the food we already have on hand.
My goal is to consider the ways I let food take the place of God.
A week in and I’ve already noticed sugar cravings several times a day when things get difficult. I’m slowly beginning to turn to God first instead of the focusing on thoughts of sugary desserts.
God Spoke to Me
This scene with Martha in The Chosen really surprised me though. I’m not sure if it was the way the dish was presented or the way it was received, but it reminded me of Psalm 24:1:
The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell there. (ESV)
I got an itch to try food like Martha’s.
But I was immediately stopped by the thought, “honey is on your ‘do-not-eat’ list.” I considered making a similar dish without honey when Psalm 24:1 began ringing in my ears. I pushed back a little, because even the devil uses scripture to make the wrong point (Matthew 4:6). But I felt God say something to this effect: “let Me lead this food journey.”
You see, I have a problem with legalism. Creating arbitrary rules and making myself follow them even when it ignores truth, hurts others, or dismisses God speaking to me is hardwired into my system. That sticky note on my fridge with my 40-day sugar fast rules? I would follow it to the ends of the earth, even if I wouldn’t benefit from it at all. One of my earthly struggles is putting form over person, even God. Even myself.
Lunch Today
So for lunch today, I whipped up a simple meal that reminded me of Martha’s. I toasted bread with (vegan-because allergies) butter, and then added almond butter, apple slices and a drizzle of honey. And it was “divine”. I took a picture so you could see it too!
I was simple, but it reminded me of God’s goodness in giving us food that not only fuels us, but tastes good. It called back to mind Psalm 24:1:
The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell there. (ESV)
I’m still pursuing my 40-day sugar fast, but I’m learning to make some allowances when God is calling me to learn something new. Thorugh my observation of food in The Chosen, I’m being reminded that God gave us food as fuel, but also to enjoy. And I’m wondering if we’ve lost some of our ability to enjoy food as we create more complicated (and sometimes fake) foods in order to serve our appetites and cravings rather than allowing food to be what God intended: good, enjoyable fuel for our bodies. Just a thought I’m considering. I’m not judging anyone who loves oreos ;)
What do you think? Do we make food too complicated? Has our over-processed and eat-on-the-go lifestyle affected the way we are able to enjoy food as God intended? Let me know your thoughts below!
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