For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.” Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” – John 6:33-35, ESV

By design, our hearts have appetites; giant appetites. Our hearts will eat and drink of whatever they desire. When we wake up every morning, whether we know it or not, our hearts are hungry.

So, what are you going to eat today?

I wish I could say that I always eat of the bread of life. Some days, in the sinful nature of my flesh, my wicked heart craves filth. Before I know it, I look up and realize that I am eating from a trash can, spiritually speaking. And I know that rummaging through the dumpster is going to leave my heart hungry.

Remember the Israelites in the wilderness? God gave them manna to eat. He described this manna as bread from heaven. Manna kept the Israelites healthy and provided all the nutrients that they needed. On top of that, God made sure that each day the Israelites had their fill (Exodus 16). Over time, the Israelites grew bored with manna. They complained about it. The Israelites go as far as to reminisce of their captivity in Egypt! Since their flesh wanted more, they began to forsake what God had given them (Numbers 11). That sounds like some sort of idolatry, right? Are we doing what the Israelites did?

The world offers us a vast menu, and it makes our mouths water: pornography, entertainment, gluttony, hatred, revenge, romantic love, work, money, and the list goes on. The world has a way of taking a list like this and making it appear attractive to us.

Are you hungry? Thirsty? God has given us one meal- full course with all the fixin’s- and He promises that we will never be hungry again. Those who ate of the manna died. But, if we are feasting on Jesus-the true bread from heaven- we will live forever (John 6:51). 

I thank God daily for giving us His bread. Without His bread, I would be SO hungry. I thank God for reminding me that His bread alone will satisfy my heart; His bread is Jesus. I rejoice in the fact that He will help me to rid myself of the filth that I have been eating, and fill me with His eternal life. Father, give us this bread always. “Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!” (Psalm 34:8)