Hunger Pains

As we joined together in worship on Sunday morning, our pastor preached to us about a thirst that only God can satisfy. And truly, we all have a thirst, a hunger inside. There are simply two directions the hunger propels us: in pursuit of God, Who satisfies the hunger, or in pursuit of anything else that will numb it.

Physically, we are all familiar with the sensations of hunger and thirst. We try to avoid them. When they cannot be avoided, they are quieted as quickly as possible.

The last thing we want to do when we’re hungry, is just sit there and think about it.

We’ve all found ways to distract ourselves to get through that last hour before lunch. Anything to get our mind off the real issue, right? If what we want seems out of reach… we’ll just keep ourselves from thinking about it.

Or try to.

But there’s still an emptiness we are desperate to fill.

That’s what hunger really is- emptiness.

Our emptiness is a cry for God.

We try to numb that emptiness with people, entertainment, and even service. But you can only numb a need so long.

Shopping trips and days on the lake and a flurry of activity work really well- until they don’t. They take the edge off momentarily. Then the hunger comes back with a greater vengeance. And we’re empty again. Sitting once again with the uncomfortable, restless feeling of being hungry.

But this hunger is not a curse. It is a blessing, because it opens the door to fulfillment. It’s all about how we respond to it. We must accept that God is everything we’ve always craved. He is joy, and peace, and love, and purpose.

Our hunger can send us scrounging for the crumbs of this world, or seeking after the Bread of Life. The choice is entirely up to us. Truly it is only God Who “…satisfieth the longing soul, And filleth the hungry soul with goodness.” (Psalm 107:9)