The Paradox of Spiritual Hunger

I've heard people talk about the importance of being “hungry for God.” I've seen spiritual leaders stand before large crowds and gaze into the audience, “How hungry are you for a move of the Spirit?” I’ve heard stories of people who have fasted and prayed for "More!" of God. Honestly, I have not understood it. Not until now. This week. This moment. Tonight.

Tonight I feel hungrier for God than I’ve ever been. Deep in my spirit there is a desperate longing, a thirst, an unsatisfied, unbridled, desire for more of Him. The other wants in my life are growing dim as I catch a glimpse of what I am designed to pursue with everything. A spiritual hunger is rattling in the bottom of my gut with an intense and joyous focus that makes me feel awake to Life. It feels insatiable and I'm desperate for more.

What happened?

Well … its really quite simple. I’ve been eating, eating, eating, and eating some more. The more I eat, the hungrier I become. I heard one pastor put it this way, “In the natural we eat to get full, but in the Spirit we eat to become hungry.” This is the paradox of spiritual hunger.

For the practical crew, the key word is “EAT.” Read the Word. Get unglued in worship. Listen to an inspiring teaching. Pray for longer than ten minutes. Read a book on revival. Do something, and then do it again and again and again. Feed your spirit. As you eat, your hunger will increase.

Why bother? You and I are not designed to live in spiritual dullness. We are designed to live FILLED. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." (Matt 5:6)