A BOTTOMLESS PIT FOR SPIRITUAL THINGS?

Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare.” – Isaiah 55:1-2.

“Do you have anything to eat? I’m hungry.”

“But you just had lunch.”

“Mom, that was over 45 minutes ago.”

The mom throws up her hands in disbelief and puts aside the article she was reading on her iPad. She has two teenagers and food just seems to evaporate into the bottomless pit commonly known as a teenager’s stomach.  She takes a second to ponder on just what would it take to satiate her boys, but brushes that thought aside and prepares for the enviable decision of whether he wants a healthy snack or some junk food. The mom knows the answer but asks him anyways.  The answer is quick and predictable. “How about a sandwich and some chips…and some milk?” The mom opens up the refrigerator and sighs wondering how the contents have dwindled so much in just a couple of days. The mom closes the refrigerator door enough to establish a line of sight with her son.” Who ate all the cake?” “Joel and I ate that yesterday.” She sighs and walks back to her iPad.

Hunger indicates a physical need, but it must be adequately satisfied. The same is true spiritually. We can seem like we are starving spiritually as well. We’re consuming, we’re filling up, we’re taking in, but at the end of the day, we are still hungry for more. Every day we reach for the things that we believe will enrich our lives and nourish our souls. We take in what we think will ultimately fill us up. But we remain anxious, overwhelmed, and exhausted, wanting still more of what we know really nourishes, feeds, satisfies, and sustains us: God. Without even realizing or intending it, we become disconnected from the only source of satisfying our spiritual hunger and thirst.

When we are physically hungry or thirsty, we eat or drink and feel satisfied. Later, those desires return and we need to eat and drink again. Have you noticed that the more you “feed” your soul with Him, it’s the exact opposite? The more of Him you have, the more of Him you want.

Consider what the Bible says on the subject: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied” (Matthew 5:6 ESV). “Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty” ( John 6:35). “It is written, man does not live in bread alone, but in every word that comes from the mouth of God” Matthew 4:4 (NIV). “I thirst for God, the living God. When can I go and stand before him?” (Psalm 42:2).

When you wake up tomorrow, you will be hungry and thirsty. While you’re choosing your breakfast, lunch, or dinner, reflect on what will satisfy your spiritual appetite as well. Let God fill you till you feel you will bust. Be a bottomless pit for spiritual things.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are some common reasons why people’s hunger and thirst for God fades or diminishes over time? What can we do to ensure that doesn’t happen?
2. How can we hunger more for spiritual things this week?