I start today by asking you a couple of questions. Have you ever experienced extreme hunger? No, I'm not talking about the time you skipped lunch because you helped your boss solve a problem at work. I mean a true, intense, hopelessy ravenous hunger for an extended period of time.
How about thirst? Have you ever been so thirsty that you felt as if death would be a welcomed reprieve? Hunger and thirst are a part of life for all. And it's a pretty safe bet that you or I would not survive very long without any remedy for either.
Yet at this very moment, around the world, many are living with very little of either (2 Corinthians 11:27). Needless to say, it is a very serious problem. The task of feeding them and providing clean, safe drinking water is an enormous task. Even in this modern age of technology it remains a troublesome quandary.
In addition to the physical issues that hunger and thirst present, many suffer from spiritual hunger and thirst. Time and time again, the Bible addresses these two spiritual concerns, appropriately utilizing them to express intense desire, including: Psalm 42:1-2; Psalm 63:1; Psalm 107:9; Job 23:12; Isaiah 55:1.
Although they may appear similar, physical and spiritual hunger and thirst truly are different. With the former, there usually isn't a choice in the matter. Circumstances or situations dictate whether one eats or drinks. On the other hand, we are encouraged to desire the latter (Matthew 5:6).
Wait a minute...why is this so? After all, most of us don't purposely desire to be hungry or thirsty. If anything, we desire not to suffer from hunger or thirst. We know it's not a good thing if we do. But just as a person is satisfied if provided with food when hungry, or water when thirsty; so a person who desires righteousness can only find gratification with God (John 4:14).
Granted, this cannot take place on its own. There must first be a true desire to do so on our part. Those of us who are withering away for lack of righteousness. or feel lost and tapped out because of sin, yet strongly yearn to be holy, can indeed quench this desire. This requires us to desire God, to seek Him out (Psalm 143:6).
Actually, it is spiritually healthy to hunger and thirst for God. After all, He made us in his image. Spiritual hunger and thirst is an evidence of God's work in our hearts. But, the acquired blessing is not evident in every heart. It can only be found in those who earnestly hunger and thirst for Him (Philippians 4:12).
A person who doesn't hunger or thirst for God will never find satisfaction. For without the basic requirement of knowing God, we are doomed to unhappiness. He cannot reveal himself to us if we aren't accessible to (or desire) Him.
None of this is rocket science. He who hungers or thirsts will find. Unfortunately, there is no such guarantee for the indifferent or apathetic. Perform God's will to the extent that you can. Desire his righteousness with the fervor of a starving man, and you will find spiritual satisfaction. This the Lord promises you.
Scripture: John 7:37; Isaiah 55:2; Proverbs 21:21; Jeremiah 31:25; Luke 6:21
Prayer: Dear Lord I pray You would refine me by the power of Your Holy Spirit so there will be more of You in my life. I realize I am made in Your image. My desire is to reflect who You say I am in my life. Help me to take steps towards Spiritual maturity. Amen
May your day be blessed,
Wende
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