What does it mean to nourish?

I always think it helpful to look up the meaning of a word. (Call me a word nerd, if you will.) Dictionary.com defines nourish as: supply with what is necessary for life, health, and growth; to cherish, foster, keep alive, to strengthen, build up, or promote.

I wonder … what is necessary for our spiritual lives? What builds us up and makes us stronger?

In today’s world, daily events tend to suck the soul right out of you. “What’s the use?” we might say, when feeling drained after giving all we had.

I always think the answer is in God’s Word. The following are 4 steps I’ve found to build myself up spiritually.

Remind yourself of God’s love for you

“I love each of you with the same love that the Father loves me. You must continually let my love nourish your hearts.” John 15:9 TPT

Found smack dab in that wonderful passage of John, chapters 13-17, Jesus assures us of His love and declares that focusing on that love will lift our hearts. The King James version says to abide in that love. In other words, live in His love.

Often the enemy wants to discourage me with the feeling no one really cares for me; but this scripture speaks differently. Who cares if the world loves me? Christ does, and that is all that really matters.

We’ve a responsibility to do our part

“For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body.” Ephesians 5:29-30 ESV

No one can do for others what he has not done for himself. We are not to be self-focused; but on the other hand, we have to feed ourselves and do basic things for our bodies. If we don’t; no one else will!

Writing for the Five Minute Friday prompt, “nourish,” and my 5 minutes are up! However, please stick with me for the last half of my post. 😉

Remember the message

“If you explain these things to the brothers and sisters, Timothy, you will be a worthy servant of Christ Jesus, one who is nourished by the message of faith and the good teaching you have followed.” 1 Timothy 4:6 NLT

You might need a dose of some good teaching of the Word. Maybe, a wonderful time with your church family is needed, complete with testimonies from the saints how God has shown up big; and a soul-stirring gospel message.

Often, just taking the time to remember how the Lord has helped you before brings a lift to the soul.

Require massive doses of the Word

“In the same way that nursing infants cry for milk, you must intensely crave the pure spiritual milk of God’s Word. For this “milk” will cause you to grow into maturity, fully nourished and strong for life—” 1 Peter 2:2

But don’t just rely on what the local body of believers can do for you. Crave the Word. If you want to be strong and not crumple under every wind of adversity, you need to have more Word in you than the preacher can supply you on a Sunday morning!

Find what nourishes you

I’m reminded of the many commercials I have seen for beauty products made to nourish skin. They extol the virtues of slathering one’s self in oil and lotion hoping to quench thirsty skin. A nourishing skin-care product sounds so much better than just buying a moisturizer!

Drenching one’s self in the oil of the Holy Spirit can do much for a thirsty soul as well. It takes time for the oil to seep below the surface. It’s our job to find the time and the right atmosphere to allow the Holy Spirit to work.

Perhaps silence is needed. Perhaps the ambiance of the secret place. Or it might be that our determination to stay until we feel well-fed will make all the difference.

Hey! I know how it is. I told one of my best friends recently, “I’m not burnt out; but sometimes I feel a little crispy around the edges.” That crispy feeling means something needs to be nourished.

What do you do when you know know you’re starving for something?

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All photos created in PicMonkey by Jerralea using personal, family and stock photos. Please do not copy.

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During this Thanksgiving season, I’m grateful for my readers. I thank God for each of you!

I’m sharing this post at Five Minute Friday and at Grace & Truth, Inspire Me Monday, Tell His Story, InstaEncouragements Link-Up, Tune In Thursday