Strong spirits: hunger!
Even good appetites can be a problem if they take the place of our primary appetite.
So... what are you hungry for? Before you answer, think of all the things that you probably have an appetite for: food, friendship, news, approval, intimacy, information- there are a lot of them! And most of our appetites are good ones unless they become compulsive.
Even good appetites can be a problem if they take the place of our primary appetite- a hunger for God and the things of God. We all have this longing, even if we don't believe in God. He built it into us so we would seek after him.
Augustine said, "Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in You." Consider...
"My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you." David (Psalm 63:5)
Why spend your money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen to me and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare." God, speaking through the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 55:2)
God himself should be our deepest hunger. He gives us that hunger, satisfies it, and deepens it at the same time. There is always more of him to enjoy.
Are you hungry for God?
Besides serving as pastor at Caledonia Congregational Church, Gary Schwerin is the Spiritual Development Minister for the YMCA of the Rock River Valley and Executive Director of Bridge Ministries of Rockford. Prior to launching Bridge Ministries, Gary spent many years in leadership with Young Life. His columns appear here every Sunday - to see them all, subscribe to our daily email.
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