It’s that time of year when we reflect on the past year and start making goals for the incoming year. If we polled 1,000 people, I’m sure many put health and fitness goals for the next year at the top of their list. But what if instead of worrying so much about what and when we eat, we focused on feasting on God’s word?

I recently had the opportunity to chat with Christine Trimpe on an episode of Your Hope-Filled Perspective podcast. Not only did she lose over 100 pounds, but she gained an even richer relationship with her Savior in the process. If you missed it, you can listen here (Hope for Transforming our Body, Mind, Heart and Soul – Episode 91). During that episode, we discussed her journey and what she learned along the way. I’ve asked her to share more of her experience and wisdom here.

Feasting on God’s Word – Soul Food
By Christine Trimpe

Disbelief fills my mind when I reflect on the year 2020. Can you relate with the overwhelming emotions which run the gamut of uncertainty?

Who would have ever guessed these scenarios: lockdowns, shutdowns, economic downturns, virus trends up and down, and so on?

Some days, I watch the world around me, and I see a feeding frenzy of fear. The media and social media are incredibly taxing on us if we are not careful. Hopelessness and confusion bring folks down, down, down.

Personally, I refer to this current season in my life as the perfect storm, a trifecta. For starters, we have the global pandemic. In addition to this current situation, I am also dealing with a level of stress never felt before while navigating a health crisis for a loved one. And one more thing, I’m battling some of my own health issues again in the menopausal stage of life. Horrific hot flashes and body and mood changes. I just battled my way through massive weight loss and drastically improved health in this joyful journey of healing with Jesus, but current circumstances could be enough to bring a girl down low, low, low. If I let it.

I’m wary of that mudslide in my path. I just climbed my way up from decades of despair; Jesus pulled me up and set me on a rock with a firm foundation. But in this current situation, how do I keep from sliding back down into the mud and mire?

I’ve been reading and reflecting through the book of Jeremiah this month. Once again, God’s timing in His Word is always right on time. I’m pleading for divine intervention once again over this trifecta situation, and He’s sharing with me the story and calling of Jeremiah to encourage, strengthen, and provide hope.

I recently found Jeremiah stuck and complaining about the distress and persecution he faced in the difficult calling God put over his life. Jeremiah is assigned the daunting task of declaring destruction to his fellow Jews because of their disobedience and sinful lifestyle. And their sin is bringing about deadly and dreadful consequences very soon.

I don’t know about you, but I’m not envying Jeremiah’s position leading to his persecution. He grieved and anguished over the news he was called to deliver. Jeremiah even complained to the Lord! How would he stand and face each day the Lord gave him?

The answer is buried in the middle of chapter 15, right in the middle of Jeremiah’s complaints to the Lord.

Jeremiah 15:16 (ESV, emphasis mine):
Your words were found, and I ate them,
and your words became to me a joy
and the delight of my heart,
for I am called by your name,
O LORD, God of hosts.

There’s the hope. Yes, I tell myself, if not for His word, which I feast on first thing every day, my situation would seem hopeless. If not dreadful.

Feed Your Soul

This verse is a reminder to each of us, we cannot live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4). What a miraculous promise.

1. His Word is sustenance.
2. His Word is full of life.
3. His Word promises to take us on an amazing joyride.

Do you long for that as the desire and delight of your heart today?

Through this tumultuous season, be encouraged to sit at His table every day with His Word. Abide every single day, without fail. Watch Him work in your life through His word. Your disbelief will be turned to a lasting belief, one that will sustain you and leave you praising Him and giving Him all the glory.

How has God’s word sustained you? We’d love to hear in the comments below.

About Christine Trimpe

Christine Trimpe is a worship leader, writer, speaker, and joy seeker. Christine journeyed recently through an amazing life transformation of body, mind, heart, and soul. God flipped her cravings, blessed her with massive weight loss, but most importantly, redeemed her daily walk with Jesus. Now He’s calling her to inspire, motivate, and encourage others to pursue their best health: physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Her transformation story and social media links can be found at ChristineTrimpe.com.

Connect with Christine:  Website Christine Trimpe / Website Joyful Keto Life / YouTube / Instagram / Twitter / Facebook Christine Trimpe / Facebook Joyful Keto Life