I’m Going on an All-Carb Diet–Here’s Why I Think You Should, Too

Well, sweet readers, it’s that time of year again. We’ve made it through the marathon of the holidays and it’s time for a fresh, new start.

It’s also time for ALL the ads and articles and books about new diets, new exercise routines, and new miracle supplements.

Sign up for this program and lose those unwanted pounds by spring!

Take these supplements and balance everything in your body and life, naturally!

Rub this oil on your belly and watch the fat dissolve!!

(ok, I made that one up, I don’t think I’ve actually seen a miracle fat-dissolving oil advertised … yet).

Whether you’re into health-based resolutions or not, I’m guessing that you, like me, have at least one area of life in which you’d like to see change. A relationship. A habit. Your job. Your dreams.

Maybe you’ve made all the resolutions before, yet still nothing changed—or at least not enough to assuage the throbbing deep inside your soul.

It’s so easy to think a new body, new job, new relationship, new home, new child, new [fill in the blank] will ease that gnawing ache. After all, these things are good things, worthy goals, and admirable resolutions …

But the older I get and the closer I grow to the Lord, the more clearly I’m seeing how we really need just one thing in our lives to thrive:

Carbs.

The Best Kind of Carbs

No, not bread or pasta (though I’m quite fond of these), but the One true Bread of Life—Jesus and His Word.

In John 6, we see Jesus miraculously feeding the five thousand; soon after, crowds followed Him, seeking their fill once again. Jesus used the opportunity to teach them about what would truly satisfy their relentless hunger:

“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 6:35 (ESV)

Not surprisingly, Jesus gave them an answer they weren’t expecting and didn’t really want. They desired the actual, physical bread. There they stood, face to face with the Son of God, and all they wanted was temporary, crusty bread destined to leave them hungry again.

And as quickly as my mind judges these ancient people, I’m struck with conviction of how often I do the same thing. I wonder if you can relate? I wonder if you’re like me, often making lists and goals prioritizing everything but the one thing that will deliver genuine satisfaction?

In Matthew 6:33, Jesus said, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

I love the way Jesus relates to us—He knows our hearts and how quickly we focus on all these things. Yet He desires more for us than the mere temporary things of this life. And He knows how much more enjoyable all these things are when placed in their proper order.

A Year to Carb Load

No matter what goals, plans, or desires we have for the year, the key to living a great life in the coming months is consuming the “food” that will nourish us best … namely, God’s Word.

I wonder what would happen if we decided this is the year we feast on Jesus and His Word, first and foremost? Most of us have grown up with ready access to a Bible—so much so, that it’s all too easy to forget the power of His Word, and our Bibles end up making nice ornaments on our bedside tables.

It’s also easy to look at the entire Bible and become overwhelmed with where to start or how to proceed. Personally, I love the One Year Chronological Bible. The YouVersion Bible app also has daily reading plans, and since our phones are typically superglued into our hands, there’s no real excuse not to read, right? (wink wink). And the First 5 App is a beautiful way to begin each day with a short but powerful study of God’s Word.

This year, I would love to challenge us to spend more time reading the pure Word of God. Could it be that we make many of our resolutions because we’re desiring a peace and abundance we think those changes will bring? Maybe, maybe not.

But one thing I do know for certain: whatever version, whatever form, whatever hour of the day—time spent in God’s Word will lead you straight to the heart of our good and loving God, who sent His Son that we might have the peace and abundant life we seek.

And what more, dear one, could we hope for in this new year?

With Grace,

 

“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him. Fear the Lord, you His holy people, for those who fear Him lack nothing. The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.” Psalm 34:8-10 (ESV)