While on vacation, I decided to not put limits on myself in any way when it came to junk food. I gorged on ice cream, french fries, chips, soft pretzels, milkshakes, custard, and anything else that looked appetizing. Since coming home, all I want to eat is sugar and carbs. An apple was an enjoyment the week before my trip, now it looks like poison. My desires changed quickly and they are fighting against what I know I should eat but do not want at this moment. Munching on the good food is giving me a bad attitude.
I realize that spiritually there can be drastic changes in desire as well. How do we come back from a lack of passion for the things of God? I think it begins with acknowledgment. Too often, we go through the motions, keeping up pretenses instead of being honest with what is lacking within us. After we do recognize the dullness in our heart, we can begin taking steps toward the Lord again. Psalm 63 gives some insights on how to proceed.
Psalm 63:1
You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.
First, acknowledge the relationship: “You are my God”. You are going beyond a formula or program to attach to the Lord, but recognizing that you are in a relationship with Him. Then, seek Him. This takes time and effort. It is prioritizing finding what seems lost. In reality, the Lord never leaves us but due to our own choices a distance may be felt. Seeking Him is choosing to set aside time just with the Lord, removing distractions and focusing on Him.
The seeking of God leads to the revelation of self. The psalmist, in this case David, uses the imagery of being thirsty for God. When we seek the Lord, we realize our need for Him and what is lacking in our lives. Too often, we have filled our time and energy with the “junk food” of the world: media, worry, shopping, hobbies, control, self-absorbed thinking, etc. But when we seek God, we realize that He is truly what we need and all the other desires are making us spiritually dehydrated. The things we thought were filling us are only part of the desert of this world and we need to be rescued.
Psalm 63:2
I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory.
Reminders of the spiritual experiences in our past, help us to regain the desire for connection now. Then, our hearts can once again connect. We are no longer going through the motions but engaging in a present tense relationship.
Psalm 63:4-5
Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.
The connection has been established. The healing of the heart is reflected by the words of praise on the lips. Outward demonstrations of spiritual connection are apparent, no longer going through the motions but actively engaging in worship.
Psalm 63:5
I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.
No more junk food here! Worship testifies that the soul is now feasting again on the ways of the Lord instead of being sickened by the things of this world. It all began with a moment of choice. Just like a physical diet starts with a decision so does a spiritual one. The choice must be made, to starve on the world or to feast on the Lord.