A Devotional: Delayed Gratification
“Then Jesus full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan River. He was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where he was tempted by the devil for forty days. Jesus ate nothing all that time and became very hungry.” Luke 4:1-2
We do not need to look any further for someone who has modeled for us what it looks like to deny and delay gratifying what the body wants! Jesus overcame the urge to eat in obedience to God during his temptation period in the wilderness. He was tired, and hungry. He was also tempted to prove his power and to but He was wise and knew what was at stake.
When it comes to delaying gratification one thing that is helpful is to plan ahead. If we keep our goals in mind, we will more readily so no when the time comes. We will be able to ask ourselves “will this make me feel good about myself later on?” or even, “how does this food choice effect my fitness and strength goals?” Even if we can delay at least a few minutes and engage in some deep breaths, our brain will be able to remember our goals and resist.
As delaying gratification becomes something that we become accustomed to we will begin to intuitively eat healthy. It will also help us notice what situations we should avoid. For example, watching tv alone late at night, parties, happy hour, etc. Delayed gratification makes us more like Jesus in many areas of our lives not the least of these is our eating
Dear God,
Thank you so much for your word and the power that comes from abiding in you. Thank you for your truth. Please help me have the strength to delay my desires and follow the path you have in all areas of my life. In Jesus Name Amen.
“Structure has to do with the ability to be disciple and ordered, to tolerate frustration for a larger goal, to have patience and diligence, and to delay gratification.” Safe Structure New life Article Jan. 2nd.
“Comfort and prosperity have never enriched the world as much as adversity has.” Billy Graham.
"God changes caterpillars into butterflies, sand into pearls and coal into diamonds using time and pressure. He's working on you, too." ~ Rick Warren
Further Reading: Proverbs 25:28, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Hebrews 12:10