My body is amazing. Not to brag, but I marvel at all it can do. With just a thought, I can wave my hand, raise my eyebrow, tap my toes, or jump. Without even a thought, I breathe, blink, and circulate blood from my scalp to the soles of my feet and back. All this and more is accomplished with tiny electrical impulses that zip around my nervous system and my brain.

This communication within my body is wondrous, but it can also lead me astray. When my stomach is empty, it sends a message to my brain that is interpreted as hunger. This hunger message compels me to eat. My tastebuds send a message that sugar tastes great so I should eat more of that. This is where things go off the rails. Sugar doesn’t fill me up so I keep getting those hunger messages.

I shouldn’t always listen to my body. Although it is a miraculous piece of machinery, it is not immune to manipulation and is easily duped into self-destructive behavior.

For example, when I’m tired I should sleep, but not while I’m driving. My body insists on sleeping anyway. Or when someone hurts me, my body tells me to retaliate, but this is just as idiotic as falling asleep while driving. It will only lead to destruction and pain for myself and others.

I need to override my body’s urges sometimes. I must not act on every whim and craving I feel.

So how do I know which feelings to follow, what thirsts to quench, and which hungers to satisfy?

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” (Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭6,‬ ‭CSB)‬‬

God asks me to use His measuring stick. If I prioritize my relationship with Him, I will always be on the right path, and He will meet my true needs. Before acting on any urge, craving, or emotion I should put it through His filter of righteousness. If I do, true and lasting fulfillment will come.

Dear God,

Thank you for this promise of satisfaction when I align my urges to your will. Give me the strength and wisdom to redirect my cravings and emotions toward good and righteous actions. Please forgive me for the times when I give in to self indulgence.