If you find honey, eat just enough—too much of it, and you will vomit.
—Proverbs 25:16

Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare.
—Isaiah 55:2

‘I have the right to do anything,’ you say—but not everything is beneficial. ‘I have the right to do anything’—but not everything is constructive.
—1 Corinthians 10:23

Better a small serving of vegetables with love than a fattened calf with hatred.
—Proverbs 15:17

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Sustained by Grace
By Jennifer Kane

Food—gift of God,
fuel for flesh,
joy at the table,
a bond between souls.

The scent of warm bread,
the sweetness of fruit,
the comfort of shared meals—
all speak of Your goodness,
Your kindness woven into creation.

Yet even blessings, in unmeasured hands,
can weigh the heart too heavy.
A table overflowing, yet a soul left empty.
A hunger that no feast can fill.

Teach me, O Lord,
to savor with wisdom,
to feast with restraint,
to hunger for what truly satisfies.

Let my cravings be stilled
not by excess,
but by the richness of Your grace.

When my hands reach for more,
remind me of the Bread of Life.
When my heart longs to be filled,
draw me to Living Water.

May love and gratitude
outshine abundance,
and self-control
become my daily bread.

For in You, O Lord,
I am nourished,
I am full,
I am sustained.

~~~~~

Scriptures: Proverbs 25:16, Isaiah 55:2, 1 Corinthians 10:23, Proverbs 15:17

God designed food as a blessing—fuel for our bodies, a source of enjoyment, and a means to bring people together. Yet Scripture teaches that even good things, when taken in excess, can become harmful. Moderation is not just about health—it reflects a deeper spiritual discipline of self-control, contentment, and seeking what truly satisfies.

In Proverbs 25 we are warned against excess: even honey, a natural delight, can make us sick when consumed without restraint. This principle applies beyond food—overindulging in anything, whether entertainment, work, or even religious zeal without love, can harm us. God calls us to balance, ensuring that nothing, even good things, takes control of our lives (1 Corinthians 6:12).

Isaiah challenges us to consider what we are feeding our souls. Just as junk food fails to nourish, worldly pursuits—wealth, pleasure, status—leave us empty. Jesus, the Bread of Life (John 6:35), invites us to feast on His Word and righteousness, which truly satisfies. Are we investing our time and effort in things that nourish our spirit, or are we consuming what leaves us unfulfilled?

Paul reminds us that while we have the freedom to eat and enjoy many things, not all choices are beneficial. The same applies to our daily decisions—whether in food, entertainment, or habits. Are our choices leading us toward greater health, wisdom, and closeness with God? Or are they distractions that hinder our growth? True Christian freedom is guided by love, wisdom, and a desire to glorify God in all we do (1 Corinthians 10:31).

The verse in Proverbs 15 shifts our focus from what is on the table to who we share it with. A simple meal enjoyed in love and gratitude is better than a feast surrounded by strife. In our pursuit of abundance, we must not forget that contentment, kindness, and love are greater treasures than wealth and indulgence. As Jesus demonstrated in feeding the five thousand (John 6:1-13), a little, when blessed by God and shared in love, is more than enough.

Examine your daily habits. Ask yourself:
Am I practicing moderation, not just in eating but in all aspects of life?
Am I choosing foods and habits that nourish both body and soul?
Am I practicing self-control, recognizing when “enough” is enough?
Am I seeking satisfaction in Christ rather than in excess?
Am I prioritizing love and gratitude over material abundance?

May our lives reflect wisdom, contentment, and a heart that longs for what truly satisfies.

~~~~~

Father God, thank You for Your provision and the wisdom in Your Word. Help me to practice moderation, to seek what truly nourishes, and to find contentment in You. May I make choices that glorify You, honoring both my body and my soul. Let love and gratitude guide me in all things. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

March 7 2025