Blessed Are Those Who Hunger and Thirst // Matthew 5:6

Did you know that according to a study performed by Cornell University that food cravings are a universal phenomenon? The study indicated that men tend to crave savory foods while women trend toward sweets. It’s important to know that food cravings and hunger are not the same thing. Hunger is controlled by a biological need for food to sustain the body’s functions; on the other hand, food cravings are governed by the brain. Foods high in fat, calories, and sugar bind receptors in the brain that induce feelings of pleasure and delight, which is one reason food companies use additives to make foods we already crave addicting. Those empty calories don’t nourish the body like healthy food, which is one major reason we are experiencing a health crisis in our nation. Jesus taught way back when that we are to hunger for food that fully satisfies as opposed to the things we crave that do not nourish. He equated these natural tendencies with righteousness, knowing the often-irresistible nature of sin. All cravings begin with a cue or a trigger, so know what cues induce your food cravings. When you feel tempted for the quick fix, turn to Christ and allow His goodness to be the good food you need to nourish and satisfy. Don’t go for the metaphorical sugar rush, because it might make you feel good momentarily, but the crash is miserable!