Same Ol', Same Ol' Everyday

Some places in my life seem redundant. Same ol’ house to clean—kitchen, living room, bathrooms, bedrooms. Same ol’ errands to run—pay bills, grocery shopping, doctor appointments, etc. Same ol’ food to eat.

I’m conscience about what I put in my mouth as I gain weight easily. I am finding out it is true what people warned me about in my thirties. It is harder to take off weight after 40!! So I eat the foods that I know are healthy for me. Lean meats—chicken, turkey, and fish. Occasionally some lean cuts of red meat. Vegetables and fruit. Whole grain, whole wheat bread and brown rice. I’ve been doing this for two months and I confess I get bored. Only so many ways you can cook chicken breast. What do I do when I get bored? I sneak in other foods and thus sabotage myself. In other words, I set myself up for failure.

As I read the chronological Bible readings this week, I noticed that I’m not the only one that gets bored with what the Lord provided them to eat. God gave the Israelites angel food—manna from heaven. But after a while of being supplied with this heavenly food, here’s what they did and said:

Numbers 11:4-6 NIV

The rabble with them began to crave other food, and again the Israelites started wailing and said, "If only we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost—also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic. But now we have lost our appetite; we never see anything but this manna!"

Like what’s happening to me, they only found so many ways to cook the manna.

Numbers 11:7-8 NIV

The manna was like coriander seed and looked like resin. The people went around gathering it, and then ground it in a handmill or crushed it in a mortar. They cooked it in a pot or made it into cakes. And it tasted like something made with olive oil.

Instead of seeking new ways to cook the manna or trying different spices, they grumbled and complained to Moses. Feeling the burden of 600,000 men (that did not include women and children), Moses pleaded with God for help. Oh I don’t blame him as I’m so glad that I have my husband to help me with the boys when they complain to me. It is a taxing experience to listen to so many complaints. God gave Moses 70 elders from the camp to assist him. I suppose God gets tired of hearing my complaints too.

The Lord heard the pleas of the Israelites and granted them their request. He sent the winds to drive the quail into the camp. Psalm 78:27 says, “He rained meat down on them like dust, flying birds like sand on the seashore.” They ate until they were stuffed—willful gluttony. Then in Psalm 78:30-31 says, “But before they turned from the food they craved, even while it was still in their mouths, God’s anger rose against them; He put to death the sturdiest among them, cutting down the young men of Israel.” Obviously, there is more to this situation than just the food; it was a matter of what was in their heart—rebellion against God.

Food can become a lustful desire. When anything preoccupies our minds more than our Lord, it affects our perspective. I’m amazed at how many scriptures deal with food and how God provides food for His people. Jesus told us not to worry about what we’re going to eat.

Matthew 6:31-34 NIV

So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

The redundancy of our everyday lives can lead to complacency with the Lord. But He is all powerful, all-knowing Lord. He sees everything we do, even the things we contemplate in our hearts. Over and over throughout the Scriptures are examples of Israel’s history.

1 Corinthians 10:11-13 NIV

These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

No wonder I have failed in my attempts to lose weight by eating healthy. I start out with good intentions, but then I get bored. This is the temptation for me that is common to man. I complain and give into the indulging desires of my flesh. I’m not the teen or like other fortunate people with high metabolisms that can eat whatever they want and get away with it. This is my way out—I have to accept the fact I’m the way I am and eat what is right for me—and be thankful for it! Now I can stand.

Dear Lord, I praise You this day that You made and each day is special with You in my life. I thank You for Your word that is so alive to me and judges my thoughts and attitudes of my heart for nothing is hidden from You. (Heb. 4:12-13) You’re Word is an example for me so I can learn to be like You want me to be. Lord, I seek Your forgiveness for my ungrateful heart. I want to thank You for providing a way for me to have life and have it abundantly through Your Son, Jesus. He is able to sympathize with all my weaknesses as He was tempted the same ways I am, but yet He did not sin. I am thankful that through Him I can come before Your throne of grace. I need Your mercy upon me today. Lord, I ask You to forgive me for allowing complacency to lead to the ungratefulness. I pray that I find joy in all that You have given to me. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Blessings in Christ--