Why I Eat Even When I Don’t Feel Like It
Faith isn't a feeling; it’s a commitment. I choose to eat the Word out of principle, knowing the appetite will follow the discipline.
In 2008, I became incredibly ill. It was one of those frightening seasons where the doctors were at a loss, unable to pinpoint exactly what was wrong. As the illness took hold, my appetite vanished. I had zero desire to eat. I honestly don’t remember how many days passed without a meal, but I vividly remember my mother finally stepping in with a piece of wisdom that has stayed with me for nearly two decades:
"You need to eat out of principle, not based on how you feel."
That illness ultimately compromised my immune system, and ever since, I’ve had to work extra hard to stay healthy. When a bug catches me, it tends to overstay its welcome. Recently, I succumbed to sickness again. I took a couple of days off work, and once more, I found myself struggling with the desire to eat. Day after day went by with little to no nourishment. While it might be an effective way to lose weight, I certainly wouldn’t recommend it.
As I sat there thinking one day, I realized I had a 12k run—the Bloomsday race—quickly approaching. I started to wonder how on earth I was going to finish when I was not getting much nourishment.That’s when my mother’s voice echoed in my mind again: "You need to eat out of principle."
I began to force myself to eat normally, even though I didn’t feel like it. It took a few days of "mind over matter" before I actually started to enjoy food again. And the run? It went well. I wasn't 100% back to my old self, but I had the fuel to finish.
The Spiritual Parallel: Hunger and Strength
As I reflected on this, I realized that our connection with God—time spent in Bible study and prayer—is exactly like eating. We cannot be filled with the strength required to run our spiritual race unless we spend time "eating" the Word.
“Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts.” — Jeremiah 15:16 (KJV)
I don’t know about you, but I’ve had seasons where I had no "appetite" for spiritual things. I didn’t feel like praying; I didn’t have the desire to open my Bible. But my mother’s principle applies here, too. We must "eat" out of principle, not based on our feelings.
Our emotions are fickle. They fluctuate based on our physical health, our stress levels, and our environment. If we wait until we "feel" spiritual to seek God, we may find ourselves starving and weak when the race of life gets difficult. We must choose to do what is best for us, whether we feel like it or not.
Dear Heavenly Father,
I confess that there are times when my heart feels heavy and my spiritual appetite is low. I have often let my feelings dictate my devotion, wandering away from Your table when I should have been feasting on Your truth. Today, I commit to living by principle rather than emotion. I surrender my will to Yours. Give me the hunger for Your Word and the discipline to seek You even when I am weary. Grant me the power to move forward in faith, trusting that as I draw near to You, You will provide the strength I need for the race ahead.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
5 Action Steps for Principle-Centered Living
Schedule Your "Meals" Just as you wouldn't skip lunch because you're busy, don't skip your time with God. Set a non-negotiable time each morning or evening for prayer and reading. Consistency builds the habit until the "appetite" returns.
Start Small, But Start If you haven't "eaten" in a while, don't try to digest a whole book of the Bible at once. Start with a few verses or a single Psalm. As it says in Job 23:12, "I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food." Treat those few verses as vital nourishment.
Audit Your Feelings When you feel the urge to skip your devotions, ask yourself: "Is this a fact or a feeling?" Acknowledge the feeling, but let the principle—the fact that you need God to survive—drive your next move.
Find an Accountability Partner Sometimes we need someone to remind us to "eat." Share your commitment with a friend. Let them know you want to be a person of principle, and ask them to check in on your spiritual health.
Focus on the Race Ahead Remember your "12k." We stay disciplined not just for today, but for the trials we know are coming. Discipline today creates the endurance you will need for tomorrow’s finish line.
The Christian walk is often described as a race. In Hebrews 12:1 (KJV), we are told to "run with patience the race that is set before us." You cannot run a race on an empty stomach. Don't wait for a "spark" of inspiration to seek the Lord. Eat the Bread of Life today because you know it is the only thing that will sustain you. Your feelings will eventually catch up to your faith, but until they do, let principle lead the way.
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