
I had convinced myself that it would be only one scoop. One scoop of chocolate peanut butter ice cream. Just a little something sweet to finish off a nice meal.
But . . . the sugar took over, and its ability to release dopamine into the brain’s reward system and create pleasure made me crave more . . . and guess what? Yup. One scoop turned into two, which turned into . . .
Scientists say this sugar stimulus is similar to what happens when we consume cocaine or nicotine. It’s addictive.
The clincher was . . . that even after I had satisfied my cravings, I wasn’t satisfied. Instead, I was upset with myself and realized that my indulgence was actually going to cause more problems than benefits.
And that’s how Satan works in this world of addictions, isn’t it? Temporary delight but no lasting satisfaction. Whether it is ice cream, drugs, money, fame, power. If we crave the world’s version of happiness we will never be satisfied. The sugar high or power high or fame high will always be followed by a letdown. An emptiness.
This is why Jesus told his listeners to “not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19-20).
God is all we need. We are told this over and over and over.
I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength (Phil. 4:12-13).
Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4).
And we already know those desires are not of the flesh for they fail to sustain us, but of God who provides exactly what we need to be truly satisfied and at peace.