“We have spiritual faculty that makes us hunger after God. Thus we are uniquely able to think and to choose, to create, to love, and to worship”
As I was reading these words, I paused moment to reflect on the word, HUNGER. What it means to be hunger after God. All of us have experienced hunger and what it felt like whether it was due to some financial issues, personal issues, or some circumstances prevented you from eating and being filled.
What is most simple word to describe feeling of hunger? I think it is the word, EMPTY.
When we are hungry, it cause us desperately search for a food which is the very object that fills our need and bring satisfaction. Just because we are so hungry we cannot consume anything other than food items. We can’t swallow a piece of mental. It might literally fill your empty stomach. But there is no nutrient in it and even it could cause serious problems in our body.
God makes us hunger after God. We search for and seek after God to fill us. It is only God and His Word that fill up His people who come to Him with empty and hungry for Him alone. It is only God that gives us true nutrients in our spirit and make us grow in our faith. However we also have choice to fill up our heart with God alone or other things to be full. The other things may sound good and look tasty but have absolutely no nutritional value may even very harmful to us.
What are we hunger for Him toady?
Are we hunger for His presence and His love in our lives?
Or are we already filled by other things that we have no room for God?
Let’s exam our hearts and see where we are with God.
God made us hunger for Him. If we are true to be who we are and obedient to do what we are made, there will be overflowing joy and gratitude coming out from our hearts.
I can't agree more with what you wrote, Kwijung. Just today, I was having family service with our children and we started to list some of the things we try to fill our lives with during this season of Advent. Michael said presents, Lolo said Santa Claus, and Pugi said prayer. I think Pugi was confused. But at least he is right about the need to occupy ourselves in prayer. I suppose that is one of the evidence that we are hungering to know God. How I wish to see more people in our church body hungering to know God better in this upcoming year! Please join me in praying for our church that we would all personally experience an outpouring of God's presence, love,and power in our lives and ministries.
ReplyDeleteI think this was a very helpful post for me. Too often in my life, "hunger after God" is replaced by my desire for things unrelated to the glory that God deserves. To "hunger after God" has all too often meant to hunger only after what I feel I am entitled to as a Christian. Many times, I've unwittingly adhered to a skewed type of prosperity Gospel. That's being American for you.
ReplyDeleteI think true hunger after God is connected also with submission. I read of "Mary's submission" in the Stott devotional and found a wonderful time reflecting on what true submission, and in turn, what true hunger means.
How many times have I prayed with ulterior motives? How many times have I knelt in submission but refused my heart to do the same? How many times have I allowed pride, ego, or reputation to compromise a liberating and fulfilling submission to God?
To be sure, I have been a spiritual anorexic, but I have not hungered after God as I should have.
In repenting, I felt closer to God and thankful for the gentle and uplifting mercies He provides through His word. The humility and love I felt compelled me to reflect on another important concept that Stott mentioned which I think works in tandem with submission and hunger. That word is courage. And I pray that God will give me more of it as I grow in Him day after day.