Hungering

Lately, while trying to lose some excess weight, I have had to choose not to eat when hungry. Tragically many around the world experience hunger pangs without the option to be filled. For these people the true pain of hunger sets in. With respect for those who are suffering even as I write, I would like to explore the word "hunger".

Medically, hunger - like pain - is a gift from God for survival. Pain warns us that something is wrong. It tells us to drop the hot pan - protecting us from further harm. Hunger and thirst remind our bodies to eat and drink - signals for survival.

The absence of hunger is often an important symptom of illness and disease. The absence of hunger, spiritually, is also a sign of disease - spiritual disease. At times I decide to ignore the divine hunger pangs for righteousness. Instead I choose spiritual anorexia which quickly deteriorates into a diseased relationship with God. Even more serious is the total absence of hunger and thirst for God.

Physical food was used as a teaching tool by Moses to reinforce the importance of spiritual food. When speaking of the physical hunger that the Israelites experienced in the desert, Moses told them that their hunger was to teach [them] that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. (Deuteronomy 8:3 NIV)

Let us turn to the Bread of Life (John 6:35 NIV) this week to satisfy the longing that only He can provide.

Sharing the journey with you,