We all need “soul food”, and I am not talking about the cuisine found in the South which features black-eyed peas, candied yams, macaroni and cheese, greens, fried chicken, fried fish, cornbread, sweet potato pie, peach cobbler, and banana pudding. No, I am not talking about that kind of soul food because it does absolutely nothing for your actual soul. In fact, you may develop heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and a list of other diseases from eating a soul food diet.

The “soul food” that I am talking about is food that encourages your spirit, gives you hope, reminds you that you are loved, points you to salvation and eternal life, demonstrates God’s righteousness and truth, teaches you holiness, and fills you with joy. This soul food is the word of God and if we consume it daily in large or small portions, it will nourish our entire being.  

Here are some scriptures that highlight the nourishment derived from the word of God. “Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart” (Psalm 119:2). The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple” (Psalm 119:130, NIV). The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living” (Psalm 19:7-9, NLT). Need I say more?

There are hundreds of diets on the market. Perhaps one of the best known is the Mediterranean Diet which is considered one of the healthiest diets. This diet focuses on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, lean protein, and olive oil, but even so, eating a Mediterranean diet will do very little for the soul. The best, healthiest, most nutritional, calorie-dense diet for the soul is the word of God. And by the way, you don’t need to count calories or worry about unnecessary weight gain. So, eat up and nourish your soul!