Sugar Fast Day 7
One entire week on this sugar free journey. This morning I was reading a couple of the sugar fast devotionals I found. One was talking about still experiencing withdrawal cravings. I realized that I really have not been experiencing withdrawal. As I ponder why this is, I find myself with another realization: I use sugar as my “quick fix” to life.
Sugar as a Quick Fix Scenario 1–I am hungry. What is the fastest way to stop the hunger pains? It is to go through the drive thru at Dunkin’ and get a mocha. It fills me up and I don’t have to take the time to actually make myself real food.
Sugar as a Quick Fix Scenario 2–I am bored. What do I like to do? Drink mochas and eat something sweet. So off to Dunkin’ I go. I don’t have to actually look at why I am bored. Nor do I have to spend any mental energy trying to find something to do that is meaningful.
Sugar as a Quick Fix Scenario 3–I am sad or dealing with something painful in my life. Again I go to mocha-land where sugar can numb the pain. At the same time my endorphins increase. That brings joy. Hey I’ve killed two birds with one stone!
Here is the bottom line—I use sugar to escape from fully engaging in my life. Sugar is my escape! OUCH!
Right Thinking
Jesus came to give me life; life to the full (John 10:10). He also says we will have trouble in this world, but we should have peace because He has overcome the world (John 16:33). Why, then, do I feel the need to hide from my life or numb myself? Why is it difficult to embrace all parts of my life and live it to the full? My flesh is weak and will always look for the easy road; a quick fix.
But, as a born again child of God I am not living my life on my own. Jesus guides me with every step I take. I can “step out” with confidence. I have been given eternal life, but am I really going to waste the life here on earth that I have also been given? Or am I going to embrace my life and live it to the full?
This is the day the LORD has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24)