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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From the Inside Out 