The Better Snack

Weight Watchers ran a commercial in 2014 that caught my eye.  Here are the words of the song that played with snapshots of people eating and displaying the named emotions.  If you know it, sing along!

If you’re Happy and you know it, eat a snack.          If you’re Sad and you know it, eat a snack.

If you’re Lonely and you know it, eat a snack.            If you’re Bored and you know it, eat a snack.

If you’re Guilty and you know it, eat a snack.  

If you’re Stressed and you know it, eat a snack.

If you’re Sleepy and you know it, eat a snack.

And finally - If you’re Human and you know it, eat a snack.

The point they were trying to make is that humans turn to snacking to deal with their feelings and WW wanted to be the place they turned instead.  The commercial ends with “Help with the hard part”.  What help could they offer? Lower calorie snacks?  Others that could share in the misery of your addiction?  These are temporary aids, at best.  The trouble is - no one and no program can help with the “hard part” without first recognizing that feelings are part of how we are made and they shouldn’t simply be traded for something else, ignored or buried.  Alternatively, we need to learn to read them, find the root in them, and then respond with Godly behavior to receive the blessing and healing. 

Feelings were never meant to rule our lives.  God’s truth is the only thing that should rule and there is no satisfaction snacks like shopping, drugs, alcohol, porn or food can give that can replace God’s comfort or healing.  One online blogger loved the little song and likened this commercial to his hypnosis business. Sorry WW, this reverse psychology campaign didn’t work for me. The use of a catchy childhood tune and the chanting of “EAT A SNACK!” became reinforcement instead of repentance and to the pantry I headed for the bag of chips… maybe I was hypnotized!

When I finished my chips, fatter and also hung-over from the hypno-trance, I remembered a list of behaviors God wants us to use when we are in a positive or negative state of being instead of “snacking”.  It’s the Fruit of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23.  (Doctors have always said fruit is the better snack – a truth God created!!) I wondered if I could match certain negative feelings to these positive fruit attributes? God was faithful and showed me the connections.  Even though the Fruit of the Spirit is the really the blooming of God in our lives I think we can also lean on them when we are in need because they are the characteristics of God Himself.   I was also able to match these with the Be-Attitudes from Matthew chapter 5. 

See the chart below I made to help see the connection between our feelings, Godly responses and His blessings.  I hope you take the time to study the chart and the scriptures throughout the week.  Perhaps even enjoy a bad snack fast…. And if you ever hear this commercial or you’re are tempted to have a  snack – choose the better snack.

Read the Feeling      Root It        Respond with Fruit of the Spirit       Receive God’s Blessing

When we feel disconnected we should remember we are His beloved and we will be revived.

     Blessed are the low (poor) in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
When we feel sad and hold onto the joy of salvation we will be lifted up.

     Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted.
When we feel restless and let His peace control our thoughts we will find home.

     Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God.

When we feel jealous and adopt His kind of patience our heart will be grateful.

     Blessed are the persecuted for great is your reward in heaven.

When we feel frustrated and remember His kindness our soul will be inspired.

     Blessed are the pure of heart  for they will see God.
When we feel hurt and choose to walk according to His goodness we will be healed .

     Blessed are the oppressed for they will be filled.
When we feel confused and trust in His faithfulness we will find safety.

     Blessed are those who seek righteousness for theirs is the kingdom of God.

When we feel anxious and let His gentle whisper rule our minds we will be calmed.

     Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy.
When we feel fragile and surrender to His control we will be empowered.

     Blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth.

**Lord,  Thank you for who you are and that I can lean on you.  Thank you for providing everything I need physically, mentally and emotionally. Today, I chose to seek you first for help with the hard parts of life and also to celebrate the joys.   I repent for the times I chose a  “snack”  from the world instead of the life giving fruit you give.  Teach me to read my feelings, identify the root, and respond with your righteousness instead.**

 Jesus said, “My peace is the legacy I leave to you. I don’t give gifts like those of this world. Do not let your heart be troubled or fearful.” John 14:27 “The Voice” version

 

Click here for a link to "Eat Right for Your Blood Type"