Hunger and Thirst

Hunger - an inner longing for satisfaction; an emptiness that needs to be filled. When was the last time you were hungry? I mean hungry, not just ready for dinner, hungry like you had never eaten for days, your body craving for a bite to eat.

How about God? Are we hungry for Him? Are we thirsty? David was, when he wrote these words: ‘O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water’ (Psalm 63:1). Have we been there? Perhaps that’s where we are just now, thirsty for the presence of God. Then we shall be filled. That’s the promise, not just topped up, not just satisfied, but filled. When the glass is full, there’s no room for anymore.

It starts with a deep longing in our heart for God. It also begins with a choice. Do I live for myself or with God? Is He the centre of my life? Or do we drift away and do our own thing, trusting He will come along and help us in our time of need? We know He’s with us always, but often other things get in the way. ‘For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other’ (Galatians 5:17). Where there’s conflict, there is division. And divided motives create confusion.

Let’s focus on God, as we look to Him at all times and in all situations. continuously aware that He is present in every aspect of our lives. Can we honestly say, “Let your will be done, Lord, not mine?” Scripture tells us to ‘walk by the Spirit and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh’ (Galatians 5:16). Then the flesh - our selfish desires, our soulish motives - will have no hold over us. By the Spirit we’ll be in harmony with God. He’ll take us through the storms of life and lead us on to safety.

Whatever our hunger and whatever our thirst, that’s what we tend to strive for. There are many options in the world which give us false comfort and temporary pleasures. But once we have tasted the joy of the Lord; once we savour the sweetness of His love; once we know the riches of His grace, then we’re filled.

Are we hungry? Jesus said, ‘I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in, and eat with him, and he with me.’ (Revelation 3:20). Are we thirsty? Then we can drink from the Fountain of Life. Jesus said, ‘Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life’ (John 4:14).

Prayer: Father, I can long for much. My hopes and aspirations are many. My needs are sometimes overwhelming. But Your word calls me to seek first Your Kingdom, and you will supply all I need for life and godliness. Show me how to hunger and thirst for You, Lord, that I may be filled, in Jesus’ name. Amen.