Think of when food has provided comfort: the bowl of homemade soup when you’ve been sick; the hot meal Grandma had ready after a day of hard work; the good foods made by friends grieving with you through the loss of a loved one; the sandwich your mom sent along for your drive back to college. Often there is comfort—even love— extended through the foods we give others.
God made us creatures who want and need food. In our need for nourishment, we remember we are people with a great need. We must eat, even in life’s darkest moments. When the prophet Elijah ran for his life and felt he’d come to the end, the angel of the Lord drew near, providing him with immediate comfort and nourishment in a simple meal of bread and drink.
The Lord draws near to each of us as we’re running from or facing our problems, extending comfort, love, and nourishment for our souls. Each communion table we approach reminds us of our deep need of a Savior and of His gentle touch on our shoulder bidding us to come and eat, for the journey is too much for us.
Author: As a little girl, Rondi wanted to be a doctor, a dancer, or a diplomat. Years later God swept her up into ministry life, and now she and her pastor-husband Mark have enjoyed decades together serving in the church and abroad. They live in the Tucson, Arizona area where she is involved with women’s ministry and leading Bible studies. Rondi is a mother, grandmother, Pilates instructor, avid board game player, and someone who still loves to dance.