Remember the Sesame Street game, “One of These Things Is Not Like the Others?”
See if you can find the misfit in this list of especially nutritious superfoods. One of these things is not like the others! Berries, cruciferous vegetables, cucumber, fish, leafy greens, legumes, nuts, olive oil, tomatoes, whole grains, and yogurt [1].
Did you choose cucumber? You win! Go eat some broccoli as a special winner’s treat!
And know this: prioritizing these foods on our plates leads to beneficial outcomes, including more energy, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, plus less risk of diabetes, depression, cognitive decline and even some cancers.
It’s no secret: our souls also need to be fed well. Choose the best options and experience such outcomes as these: lower anxiety, less depression, more contentment in life, and improved ability to handle life’s challenges with confidence and hope [2].
In addition, the well-fed soul tends to be resilient, able to navigate the ups and downs of everyday life [3].
So what are the best options for feeding our souls? There are a number of them, but for today, we’ll concentrate on just five.
No doubt they’re familiar to you. But I’d encourage you to at least skim-read below for an A-HA moment or two. I found worthwhile insights among the following; perhaps you will too.
BIBLE STUDY
The Center for Bible Engagement conducted extensive research to determine what happens when people engage with scripture at least four times per week. They found that people involved in Bible study are:
- more pro-active in their faith (improving their quality of life as a result)
- less likely to deal with bitterness, unforgiveness, discouragement, and more
- more likely to resist temptations such as excess drinking, lashing out in anger, gossiping, or lying [4]
There’s much joy to be experienced in Bible study as well.
Theologian Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) wrote that the Bible communicated “such refreshing food,” that “almost every sentence seemed to be full of wonders” [5].
I couldn’t agree more and know many of you would also.
PRAYER
And what might those changes include?
- Less anxiety and more peace (Philippians 4:6-7)
- Improved attitude as trust replaces doubt and hope replaces despair (Isaiah 40:31)
- More understanding of God’s will (Colossians 1:9)
- Greater endurance (Colossians 1:9-11)
- Fine-tuned perspective as we allow God to reorient our thinking (Romans 12:2)
PRAISE AND WORSHIP
“Praise . . . is one great means of promoting the growth of the spiritual life. It helps to remove our burdens, to excite our hope, and to increase our faith.
“It is a healthful and invigorating exercise which quickens the pulse of the believer and prepares him for fresh enterprises in his Master’s service” (Charles Spurgeon) [6].
Here’s a praise-appetizer to whet your taste for glorifying God:
GRATITUDE
Gratitude is not just for those times when blessings abound.
“What was the prayer Daniel prayed right before being thrown in the lions’ den . . . ? Thanksgiving. What was Jonah’s prayer right before he was finally delivered onto dry land? Thanksgiving. How are we instructed to pray in Philippians 4:6 when we feel anxious? With thanksgiving. And what is the outcome . . . ? Peace” [7].
And that’s just one of many glorious benefits of gratitude—even when circumstances don’t seem to call for it. You can augment the positive impact by keeping a gratitude journal [8].
COMMUNITY
If we’re going to grow spiritually, we need the encouragement, prayer, and insight of other Jesus followers. Character and wisdom do not develop in a vacuum; interaction with others is an important factor [9].
All of these things—Bible study, prayer, praise and worship, gratitude, and community—are alike, in that they lead to the exceptionally satisfying life Christ offers [10].
Bon appétit!
[1] https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/10-superfoods-to-boost-a-healthy-diet-2018082914463
[2] https://www.focusonthefamily.com/get-help-how-practicing-spiritual-disciplines-can-positively-impact-your-mental-health/
[3] https://www.healthline.com/health/emotionalhealth
[4] https://www.centerforbibleengagement.org/post/bible-engagement-a-key-to-spiritual-growth
[6] Morning by Morning, 306.
[7] Lysa Terkhuerst, Embraced, 257.
[8] See https://nancyaruegg.com/2020/11/19/one-single-strategy-for-an-exceptional-life/
[9] Kenneth T. Aiken, Proverbs (from the Daily Study Bible Series), 170.
[10] John 10:10; Colossians 1:9-10; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Psalm 34:1-3; Proverbs 27:17
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Amen and amen 🙏🏽 I have found that I cannot live a successful life without any of the five you suggested
I agree, Brenda. These practices do make a wonderfully positive difference in our lives. I’ve experienced it too!
The spiritual diet you’ve suggested appears to be quite wholesome and packed with snake repellant. 🙂
Brilliant observation about the snak repellant, Nancy. LOVE it!
Bon appetit, indeed, Nancy! May we savor the goodness of our Savior with all of the practices you’ve outlined here and dine on the nourishment His Word imparts. Blessings, my friend!
Amen, my friend!
Nice reminders. I can easily tie the first four together. The last one is harder for me, but that is probably a part of both my character and my circumstances. I’ll give it up to God and let Him handle it.
Perhaps you could begin with one friend, Linda. You’re so right to give the possibility to God and let Him lead you to a friend who’s looking for the same kind of meaningful companionship.
Thank you, Nancy, for these five essential nutrients for Christian growth. A life of gratitude and thankfulness is such a key ingredient for us to have a life-giving journey.
Agreed, Lisa. Keeping a gratitude journal has grown my faith and increased my joy for a number of years now. It really does make a positive difference!
Wonderful and uplifting post!!! Thank you for sharing this with us today. God’s peace is always available to us. He has taught us that there are so many ways to have a deeper relationship with Him. Your list is awesome!!!
So glad you found uplift here, Linda. You’re right: God’s peace is always available to us. I’m not always faithful to reach out to him in the moment when frustration, upset, disappointment, etc. sideswipe me. God’s still working on me!
I admit my eating habits are definitely in need of improvement. My grandson and I take turns making the big meal of the day. His choices include pasta, rice, tacos, bell peppers and mine includes heavy duty stuff like meat and potatoes. We both enjoy sweets but they really are my downfall. At least we have diversity in our menu.
Small steps in the right direction, Cathy, that’s probably the best way because it’s doable!
“Go eat some broccoli…” That had me smiling the whole time I was reading through the list of soul feeders!
Oh good–I’d hoped that broccoli-bit would bring a smile or two! Thanks, Dave.
Love the tips for feeding our soul, Nancy! Beautiful!
Thank you, Wynne–praise God for his inspiration!
Now I want to eat a salad 🙂
THe Word of God nurtures our souls
You’re so right, Matt: the Word of God does nurture our souls. I’m so thankful for its wisdom and encouragement!
I am so glad you mentioned praise and gratitude. I know gratitude gets mentioned but so often praised doesn’t and I see its as so valuable and powerful and important in our daily nourishment in our spiritual walk. It refocuses me, realigns me back to God and what is really. important. God is my priority. it all starts with Him. Praise first. Good post, Nancy!!!!
Thank you, Jean. You’re right: there IS a difference between gratitude and praise. Gratitude thanks God for what he does, praise honors him for who he is. I agree: the latter especially renews our minds as we review the magnificence of God’s multi-faceted attributes.
We are so blessed to have many options provided by the Lord to feed our souls. Thank you for this post, Nancy.
Amen to that. We can graze from morning to night!
Nancy, this is what living well, living for Jesus looks like! All these things feed our souls and give us the focused energy to praise Him more and more.
What a wonderful Savior!
Amen, Linda. He’s provided numerous ways for us to remain strong in spirit. May we avail ourselves continually!