Hunger
Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst. John 6:35
I am an anxious eater. With the many stressful things happening in our lives, I have had to pray to avoid the trap of eating to fulfill the nervousness in my heart. I am not really hungry in this situation. My body just believes that it is because of the weakened state of stressful situations. Jesus tells us in John 6:35 that if we come to Him we will not hunger. The answer to my nervous eating – prayer and trust.
Pastor Sam has been preaching on Spiritual Hunger. Webster’s Dictionary defines hunger as “a feeling of discomfort or weakness caused by lack of food, coupled with the desire to eat.” I believe that discomfort or weakness can be caused by more things than the lack of food. When we let the cares of this life over take us, we become spiritually uncomfortable and weak. In a weakened state, we often succumb to the devices of the devil. We already know that he is a roaring lion, roaming around seeking someone to devour. A lion preys on the weak. An animal that has been injured or is sick can’t fight or flee the lions’ grasp and strong teeth.
Sickness, hurt feelings, financial hardship, strained relationships and lack of trust weaken us spiritually. Don’t think for a second that the devil doesn’t know you are struggling. When we neglect our prayer time, personal Bible study, church with other believers and worship, we put ourselves in a position to struggle when we deal with daily life situations and stresses. Basically, we set out for the daily battle of life without armor. We might survive a fight or two without strong armor or with part of our armor but eventually or even immediately we will fall. We can’t survive the lion’s grasp without strength and swiftness we possess when we have “eaten” from the Lord’s table.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulercss, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:10-12
With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints. Ephesians 6: 18
Don’t hunger and thirst spiritually. Be strong in the Lord. Be ready to fight with His might. Pray, sing, worship, rise daily putting on God’s armor. Let your spiritual hunger be for more of the Lord and His strength. Seek to press in and satisfy your soul with more of Him.
Pastor Julia Scott