31 Days of Five Minute Friday Free Writes

“Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!” Matthew 26:41 (NLT)

Day 6: Crave

If I were to tell you some things that I’ve been known to crave the list would include: Lay’s potato chips, Dunkin Donuts Iced Coffee Mocha, pumpkin pie, time alone, being with my grandsons, and a water view to name a few. There was one time though, that my craving got way out of control.

Many years ago my husband received a large container of chocolate covered almonds as a business gift.  As soon as I saw them I knew I was in trouble and so with all the strength I could muster I suggested that he hide them somewhere I was sure not to find them, otherwise I knew I would eat every single one of those delectable treats. And so he did as I asked.

The next morning once I was alone, I sat drinking my coffee when something came over me. I literally could smell those chocolate covered almonds! Soon they were all I could think about and the frantic search ensued. I was like a bloodhound on a recovery mission. Sniff! Every cupboard was opened. Sniff, sniff! Closets were rummaged through. Sniff, sniff, sniff! Dust bunnies under the beds were displaced as my arm reached as far under as possible. The longer I searched the more I desired what I couldn’t have and in the process, turned my whole house upside-down trying to satisfy my yearning. This is a perfect example of what James warns us about:

“Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away..”
James 1:14 (NLT)

The truth is, chocolate covered almonds aren’t the only craving that’s lured me with a scent of satisfaction. The world offers so much that promises to meet our longings, and when we catch a tempting whiff we’re drawn to seek them out. Maybe you know exactly what I mean. Whether it’s a desire for attention, companionship, escape, comfort, power, or anything we crave, our frantic pursuit of it can drag us away from what we know is best and turn our whole world upside-down. That’s exactly why Jesus taught us to pray, “lead us not into temptation.” (Matthew 6;13)

So what are we very human “bloodhounds” to do? Follow our “knows.” That is, Who we know, and what we know:

“So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” Hebrews 2:14-16 (NLT)