Hungry For Christ

How is it that Americans can be so full yet at the same time be empty? In a nation of resources, opportunities and a multitude of options we find ourselves spiritual starving for something substantial and lasting.

We fill our houses with the latest gadgets and trendy store items that supposedly mark our success but it leaves us wanting more. Our attics, garages and trash bins catch the overflow. Promotions are only temporary and we eye the next rung on the ladder. We want more influence, money and say so. The last meal is but a memory while our thoughts turn to what is on the menu at a new restaurant that has the town abuzz. We fill our hours with a string of activities only to find at the end of day we have little to show for it.

Psalms 106:15 says, "And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul." (KJV). Sadly, in large measure our church culture and personal relationship with Christ has often been centered around meeting our needs and desires. Our requests for food, clothing, housing and other blessings have got in the way of knowing the heart of Christ, as a Person, not just a Provider.

To this Jesus says, "I am the bread of life." (John 6:48, KJV). Can we say Christ is our sustenance? And can we say truthfully, "I'm hungry Jesus! Feed me with Your life. I want nothing more than You, Lord!"

Beloved, we must daily ask the Lord to stir in us a craving for His Word. How often do we stare blankly at the pages of the Bible only to have our minds drift elsewhere? We slip away to some place more exciting or we end up at work thinking about the next deadline or project. In that moment we are not digesting the Word of God rather we are being consumed by our fleshly desires. We must ask the Lord to open our eyes to the truth that is before us. Only He can remove the dimmed eyes and dull hearing. His power can help us reign in our troubling and distracting thoughts.

Remember the story of Joesph who for seven years gathered grain to prepare for the coming famine in Genesis 41:49. We must daily meet with God to read and study His word - even a single verse - like a seed of grain we store up for those lean and dry times. Such grain is our living Bread that will sustain us. The Lord will help us to recall His word so we are nourished. Those who fail to read His word daily will find a leanness in their soul.

Cry out to be hungry! Cry out to be filled by His Word!