The greatest reward for success may simply be peace of mind, the satisfaction of a job well done, “Knowing that you’ve done the best you can to become the best you’re capable of being,” as coach John Wooden would say. It’s the kind of feeling you get when you put down a great meal, are truly full, and find there’s no real need for dessert. The meal in itself was reward enough.

On the other hand, Scripture warns us here that if we’re not being well fed, being left empty of real substance with no peace of mind, we will eat just about anything to fill our craving for nourishment -- even if that stuff is not good for us. We get quietly reckless, and even the bitter could seem sweet to us … for a time. We ingest what’s not good simply because we grab for whatever’s at hand instead of working and waiting for the best.

Athlete, let’s not settle for cheap desserts or bitter shortcuts just because we’re hungry. The main meal is what’s worth fighting for, what’s worth waiting for. Hang in there. Eat right. Live right. Feast on the good fare served in God’s Word and don’t settle for cheap meals and bitter desserts elsewhere.

Prayer to consider today: LORD, help us to feed on Your Word and to fill ourselves here. Satisfy us with You. Don’t let us get tricked into an appetite for bitter things that taste sweet but bite hard. Sustain us in Your truth and help us to trust that You nourish best. For our good and Your great glory, Amen.