There are several mechanisms in the body that work to protect us from harm. Pain is an obvious one. Without the sensation of pain, even though we dislike the discomfort, we would find ourselves hurting our bodies without knowing it. Hunger is another one. It’s a signal from our bodies that we need energy. Without this signal and the resulting intake of food, our bodies become lethargic and prone to frustration. Events or tasks that might not be a problem when you have plenty of energy suddenly become impossible or at least seem that way. Like pain, hunger is essential for living because you have a physical body. Just as these physical signals guide us, there are also important signals for our spiritual well-being.
In the same way, spiritual hunger is essential for a healthy relationship with God. Here, hunger means a longing for the truth of the Bible, a closer relationship through prayer, and a fulfillment only the Holy Spirit can provide. Just as physical hunger keeps our body strong, spiritual hunger fills our soul with God’s grace. Yet, just as our bodies can lose their appetite, our spiritual hunger can also fade at times.
Have you ever been sick enough to lose your appetite? Illness, a medical treatment, or anxiety can take away your body’s desire for food. It’s only when you start to recover that you recognize what a gift the sensation of hunger is. The same idea applies if you are not feeling particularly hungry for spiritual matters. Perhaps the Bible seems dull, prayer feels lifeless, and your relationship with the Lord is less intimate than before. If this describes your current experience, consider asking the Lord to restore your hunger for spiritual things. This leads us to consider what Scripture says about spiritual hunger.
In the Beatitudes of Matthew 5, Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” This blessedness is a happiness grounded in knowing that you are receiving the favor of the Lord daily. Both satisfaction and spiritual hunger come from the Lord. If you feel like you have lost your appetite for the things of God or feel spiritually unwell and not hungry, let God know. Just as physical hunger returns gradually after illness, your spiritual hunger may also take time to return. However, when you ask Him for the gift to hunger after righteousness again, He promises to satisfy you.