THE PROBLEM OF EXCESSIVE CRAVING

The writer of Psalm 106 continued to describe the sins of the Israelites as they were in the desert, heading toward the promised land. Psalm 106:13-15 says, "Yet how quickly they forgot what he had done! They wouldn't wait for his counsel! In the wilderness their desires ran wild, testing God's patience in that dry wasteland. So, he gave them what they asked for, but he sent a plague along with it." Although God had been providing manna for the Israelites to eat every day, they were not satisfied and appreciative. When they were craving meat, instead of asking God with respect and reverence, they would complain and murmur against Moses. They quickly forgot that God could miraculously provide everything that they needed in the desert. As a result of their craving for meat, God miraculously sent a southeast wind that pushed thousands of quail to the path of the Israelite's camp (Numbers 11). The Israelites then easily captured and cooked them to eat. However, God sent a plague against them because of their gluttony. Their excessive eating of meat showed that they did not trust God for His daily provision. They ate as if there was no tomorrow. Their stomach became their gods. They didn't really care about God, but they cared only about themselves. 

We can easily sin like the Israelites when we crave something more than we trust God. When we treat God as only our provider and not our God, we are no longer submitting to Him but rebelling against Him. We are only using God to get what we want. God brought the plague to the Israelites, and many of them died to teach them that He was more than their provider but He was their God; therefore, He deserved to be respected and worshipped. We need to examine our hearts with the things that we crave. When we crave something excessively, it is no longer healthy for us, and it will lead us to gluttony, and gluttony is considered a sin. If we are having difficulty controlling our cravings, we need to pray and ask God to help us control our appetite. Only God can help us control our cravings. Craving for something is not a sin, but when it becomes uncontrollable and excessive, it will lead to sin and unhealthy behavior.  

God is not only our provider but also our God, who deserves to be respected and worshipped. Let us control our cravings, and we can do it through the power of God, who is at work within us. Excessive craving leads to sin and all kinds of behavioral problems. 

Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) Do I have a problem with excessive cravings? How can I overcome excessive cravings? What important lesson is God teaching me through today's devotion?

Take a moment to write down all your worries today. Then, lift them to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.

Prayer:

Dear Father in Heaven, You are my God and provider. You always take care of my needs. Please protect me from excessive craving so that I may not sin against you. Please empower me with your Spirit to control my appetite so that I may eat healthy and honor you with my body. Please guide me as I go through the day today. In your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.