We Are Made to Crave

God never intended for us to want anything more than we want Him!

Let’s take a quick look at the Israelites
When God’s chosen people wanted tasty food more than they wanted God, they willfully put God to the test by demanding the food they CRAVED.

And, what became of them?

They never reached the Promised Land.

This isn’t about addictions
However, it is about learning to recognize a craving. Any craving. It’s about learning Scripturally how to determine whether we want to pursue the craving or not. And most importantly–what God thinks about it all.

Different cravings yield different results
There is indeed a huge difference between gratitude for what God has given and demanding what we want. From the Israelites, we learned the reality of consequences for what we choose to think and do.

We can’t afford to get this wrong (Psalm 106)
“So He saved them from the hand of one who hated them, and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy, and the waters covered their adversaries; not one of them was left; then they believed His words; they sang His praise.”

Scripture says they believed His words and sang His praise
But, THEN what happened? Do we see gratitude? NO!!! We see whining, grumbling, complaining, and ingratitude for what God had provided especially for them!

I am thinking about how many times I have done the same thing…whined about what God provided for me.

What did they do? What did God do?
They craved something OTHER THAN what God provided: “They quickly forgot His works; they did not wait for His counsel. But craved intensely in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert.” “So He gave them their request, but sent a wasting disease among them”. –-Psalm 106:10-15

Another version of verse 15…
He gave them the desires of their heart, but brought leanness to their soul.

And because of that, I have been known to pray:
GOD, this is what I want, but don’t give it to me if it will bring leanness to my soul. Because more than anything thing, God, I want a FAT SOUL!

I don’t want to wander around the desert–unable to enter the abundant life God has for me because I willfully put Him to the test over whatever else is my object of affection and craving. What about you? Have you been craving things that make your very SOUL lean? Or fat?

Deciding to Crave God rather than pleasing others
In a previous newsletter, I wrote about Dream Crushers. I find that when I am not walking closely with God, I believe I need God AND–It’s like God is not enough, which is an excellent opportunity for Dream Crushers to invade my life with their lies and their personal thoughts and desires about my life.

I need to remember to listen to God above all others. Every day. All day. And that takes real effort. Real discipline.

It takes DECIDING to CRAVE GOD.

It takes deciding I actually WANT a FAT SOUL.

Paying attention to what we think about
It has been said that we crave what we desire AND we desire what we crave.

So, I am learning to stop and think
It’s a choice. I know I keep saying that. But it’s true. Do I live to please God or do I live to please others? Do I believe God and my potential for good; or do I believe my inner negative thoughts? Have I trained my mind to think Godly thoughts?

Memorizing Scripture is the best way to do that.

I want to be a woman of POSSIBILITIES
I want to follow GOD’S plan for my life. I don’t want to be a negative snarly old woman. And the way to do that is to begin TODAY to Crave God, to Crave His Word, to Crave His ways; and to Crave fellowship with those who feel the same way about Him.

CHOOSE with whom you spend quality time
We absolutely become like those we spend time with. That’s not just for kids. It is the same for adults. Proverbs 13:20 (NCV) “Spend time with the wise and you will become wise…he that walketh with the wise, shall be wise: a friend of fools shall become like them.”

“Do not associate with a man given to anger; Or go with a hot-tempered man, Or you will learn his ways And find a snare for yourself.” Proverbs 22:24-25

Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.” 1 Corinthians 15:33

Pray for fat souls and a craving for God above all else
Let’s be actively seeking God’s wisdom to recognize when we’re asking for something that will cause our soul to become lean.

THAT will bring the peace & joy & wisdom we seek.

“A scoffer seeks wisdom and finds none, But knowledge is easy to one who has understanding.” Proverbs 14:6

“Leave the presence of a fool, Or you will not discern words of knowledge.” Proverbs 14:7

Let’s CHOOSE wisely

KLU GIB (Keep Looking Up. God is Big)

What are your thoughts about craving? I’d love the privilege of praying for you. It’s as easy as clicking the contact button and ASKING…

If this is helpful, please share …

Until next time…