Starve Your Distractions And Feed Your Soul

During the first two months of the year, newsfeeds are filled with advertisements promising excellent health results if you take their product. While some of these programs are commendable, the fact remains that to improve your eating habits, you must eliminate unhealthy foods. However, breaking bad habits such as binge eating, late-night snacking, and overindulging in salt and sugar is not easy because there is a mental and sometimes emotional component to nutrition, or the lack thereof.

Thus, a proven strategy that will complement your plans to eat healthy is to starve those bad eating habits. This strategy means you don't keep snacks in the house that you’ll go looking for at 11 pm, such as salty treats that will cause inflammation. Just one bite or one chip, and all those efforts to eat clean will go out the window. I have seen great improvements in my health since I decided to eliminate those bad eating habits. Regrettably, I found the results unfavorable when I tried to balance both eating well while continuing some of those snacking habits. To get back on the right track, I typically apply the "starve my bad habits" game plan mentioned above. Notice, "I didn't say starve myself" because those types of diets are not sustainable and lead to increased weight gain.

Your walk with God and your spiritual growth work similarly. To deepen your faith, rise above your adversity, and overcome your temptations, you need to starve your distractions and instead feed your soul.

Distractions typically originate in the mind. Therefore, avoid any thoughts that could compromise you. Second Timothy 2:22a says, "Run from anything that gives you the evil thoughts that young men often have..." The same mindset applies to seemingly harmless distractions, such as watching too much TV, using your phone, engaging in hobbies, or anything that divides your attention.

Next, focus on feeding your soul with what God deems is right. This involves staying close to God and His teachings. Listen, read, pray, and actively participate in your church to nourish your soul. Second Timothy 2:22b says, "...but stay close to anything that makes you want to do right. Have faith and love, and enjoy the companionship of those who love the Lord and "have pure hearts."

As you starve those unhealthy distractions and focus on feeding your soul, a sense of peace and clarity will emerge.