January 31, 2008
Satisfy Your Hunger
Today’s Truth
“Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days” (Psalms 90:14, NIV).
Friend to Friend
As I emptied the dishwasher this morning, it occurred to me that we were created to be hungry. Our bodies need constant nourishment, right? Hunger is simply a trigger designed by God to stimulate a necessary response. Whether we are talking about physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual hunger, you and I are temporarily satisfied when an appropriate response meets a need. Think about it…
· The satisfying response to physical hunger is food and drink.
· The satisfying response to emotional hunger is love (among other things).
· The satisfying response to mental hunger is knowledge.
· And the only satisfying response to spiritual hunger is God.
Nothing can take His place. Not the latest-greatest beauty gimmick, not the most fabulous outfit, not a hunky man, or a good smelling baby. Not money in the bank, not that promotion you might be after, not the affection you might be craving, and not the appreciation you desire for your efforts. Nothing can supplement God if you want to feed your spiritual hunger.
Let’s be honest here, you and I both know that our souls constantly demand to be fed. If God does not have the proper place in your life, your soul will remain hungry. Trust me, I speak from personal experience. When I invite God into my days, I experience His satisfying presence, no matter what I face. But, when I don’t pray, when I don’t read my Bible, and when I don’t praise, I get hungry and discontent.
Discontent with what? You name it…my husband, my kids, my house, my hair, my weight, my looks, my job, my abilities, my this, and my that. Spiritual hunger in my life isn’t always subtle. Sometimes my deficiencies are glaringly obvious. Without even realizing it, my ability to love, show patience, extend grace, and walk in wisdom can fade.
Why do we allow ourselves to become spiritually hungry?
In Psalm 107:8-9, the Psalmist wrote, “Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.”
God loves us and He loves to feed our souls. Yet, in spite of all evidence, sometimes we don’t feel loved by God. And when we don’t feel loved, we ladies have a tendency to grumble and whine. I’ve found in my own life, that nothing illuminates my lamentations like a grumbly spiritual tummy. It is very dangerous for us to allow emotions to drive our faith. Hunger affects our judgment, so it is so important that we be vigilant in defending our souls against hunger.
Whether we like to admit it or not, Christians are hungry people. Just like the Israelites who wandered in the desert, we need God’s daily bread, His spiritual manna. Jesus taught us to ask for a daily portion. In the New Testament book of Matthew, Jesus took a moment to teach His followers how to pray. In that prayer, commonly referred to as the Lord’s Prayer, He said, “Give us today our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11, NIV, emphasis mine).
He didn’t ask to be fed for an entire week – just for today. We would be wise to do the same. Each day we need to turn to God for our daily portion because our spiritual hunger is as regular as our physical hunger. I’ve found that the more I get to know God – the more I want to know Him. The more I experience His peace, presence, and power in my life – the more I want to experience His peace, presence, and power.
It’s time for some daily bread, friend. Join me as we pray, remembering how Jesus taught us to pray.
Let’s Pray
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen” (Matthew 6:9-13).
Now It’s Your Turn
- Have you become discontent because of spiritual hunger?
- What are you hungry for today? Tell God about the longings in your heart.
- Read Psalm 16, then spend the next few minutes asking God to fill you with joy in His presence and to be your portion for today.
More from the Girlfriends
I wish I could reach through my computer screen, grab your hands, and pray with you right now. I don’t know what you are going through, but our loving Father is keenly aware of your circumstances and your needs. As I complete this devotion, please take heart in knowing that Mary, Sharon, and I are praying for you, and that God hears our prayers. God does not forget his hungry children. The scriptures show us time and time again that God hears the cries of His children. “The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles” (Psalm 34:17).
Gwen Smith is a worship artist, songwriter, speaker, and author. Visit her website at: www.GwenSmith.net, or stop by her e-store to grab a few of her worship CDs.
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