ARE YOU HUNGRY?
"For he
satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness." -
Psalm 107:9
It has been said that every man needs a hobby. I suppose my hobby is eating. I love good food! My weight testifies to that fact.
When I was growing up, most of our family meals were based on
Dad's work schedule. But there were
times when Dad wasn't working. At these
times Mom would sometimes ask, "Are you hungry?" Our response would give her an indication
when to prepare the next meal.
I think it is important to ask ourselves the question, "Am we
hungry?" Are we spiritually
hungry? In a very technical sense,
every person is spiritually hungry.
Most are feasting at the wrong table.
The devil has a banquet table where worldly desires are fed. Those who feast there leave hungry and
empty.
For the Christian, there is only one place where we can find
nourishing spiritual food. The Bible
says, "O taste and see that the Lord is good." Do we have a real hunger for the Lord and
the things of God? I really don't think
many people recognize their spiritual hunger.
Yet for those who hunger after God, there are four things that are true
of them.
1. A HOLY DISCONTENT
First of all, they have a holy discontent. They are not satisfied with the status
quo. They aren't impressed with
religion, tradition or rituals. Those
who hunger for God and the things of God will not be content with anything less
than close communion with Christ.
2. A HOLY DISCRIMINATION
Secondly, there is a holy discrimination. Those who hunger for the Lord avoid the junk
food of this world. When I was growing
up, Mom always told us to avoid eating potato chips near suppertime. She knew that junk food, like potato chips,
would ruin our appetite. The same is
true of many church members. Most
pastors would admit that a shocking percentage of their church membership is
not faithful to attend. Perhaps too
many are eating the junk food of this world rather feasting on the good things
of God.
3. A HOLY DETERMINATION
Third, there is a holy determination. When a man hungers for the Lord, he seeks to have his hunger
satisfied. A hungry man pursues
intimacy with the Lord. He is not
passive about his hunger. He doesn't
have to be nagged into going to church.
He doesn't have to be reminded to read his Bible. His hunger drives him closer to God.
4. A HOLY DESPERATION
Finally, there is a holy desperation. A hungry person can get desperate. A hungry man will sacrifice his time, talents and treasures in
order to please the One he loves. A
lack of desperation has sadly tainted American Christianity. Far too many people treat the things of God
like they can "take it or leave it."
Few are driven to their knees to seek God desperately. It seems like God has a soft spot for desperate
people. Desperation will humble a man,
driving him to his knees. Desperation
will bring a people together to pray.
Desperation is often among the initial signs of a mighty revival. Hungry people get desperate and that
desperation fuels their spiritual intensity and desire.
The Bible says, "Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send
a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of
hearing the words of the LORD." A
famine, a time of real hunger, is coming.
Notice it is not a famine of bread, but "of hearing the words of
the LORD." Please note that it
will not be a famine of preaching or teaching, but hearing the words of the
Lord. There's a famine in our land
right now. In spite of the number of Bibles
being sold, few are feasting at the Master's table.
Are you hungry? Does your
soul hunger for more of God and His Word?
Are your days filled with thoughts about your Lord? Do you find yourself praying more? Are you spending more time in His Word? Are you seeking the face of God?
The Lord, "... satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth
the hungry soul with goodness." So push aside all the junk
food of this world. Read and study your
Bible. Get on your knees in prayer. Get back in church where you belong.
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