Feeding the Heart

A Feast for the Heart

This Sunday’s message reminded us how the Bible uses our bodies to teach spiritual truth. When we explore the heart and stomach in the Bible, we see that these organs represent more than anatomy. They describe the unseen parts of who we are – our beliefs, emotions, and desires. The heart reflects our inner life and the choices that define us, while the stomach represents craving and appetite. Together, they shape the way we approach God, worship, and one another.

The Feast of Worship

The church gathering was described as a feast – a time when believers come together to share in worship and communion. Just as family meals bring stories and gratitude, the spiritual feast feeds our souls. However, the purpose is not to fill ourselves but to give thanks and grow in unity. When we come to worship, we must ask whether we arrive with an empty stomach, seeking only to be fed, or with a full heart, ready to serve and share.

The Danger of Following the Stomach

When we see the imagery of the heart and stomach in the Bible, the stomach often represents unchecked desires. It is loud, demanding, and sometimes misleads us. Many believers fall into the trap of following their “spiritual stomach” – seeking only what feels good or immediately satisfying. The apostle Paul warned that some made their “god their belly,” letting cravings replace commitment. True worship requires that we silence those urges and lead out heart to God instead of following our appetites.

Leading the Heart Toward God

Unlike the stomach, the heart must be guided. It can be weak, easily swayed, or even deceptive. Yet Scripture offers the remedy: fill your heart with God’s Word. When we meditate on Scripture, we train our hearts to desire what is holy. We stop asking, “What can I get from church?” and start asking, “What can I give?” This shift transforms our gatherings into true feasts of grace, not indulgence.

A Full Heart for the Feast

Ultimately, the message calls us to come before God with full hearts and disciplined desires. The heart and stomach in the Bible remind us that spiritual maturity means leading our hearts and taming our cravings. When we come to worship filled with the Word and eager to give, we reflect the unity and love of Christ. May we all come to the table ready – not to consume, but to contribute to the feast of God’s people.