There are many promises in the Bible addressed to those who are spiritually hungry and thirsty.
Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” (Matthew 5:6) He also said, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink” (John 7:37).
In the Old Testament, the prophet Isaiah cried out, “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.” (Isaiah 55:1) And the psalmist proclaimed that God “satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things” (Psalm 107:9).
But are we hungry and thirsty for Him – really and truly?
I have sometimes given ministry school students a test to evaluate their level of love and hunger for God Word. It’s a test I have used on myself, and I’ve found it to be quite revealing.
It goes like this:
Get alone with your Bible, without distraction. If you can get on your knees as you read, better still. Then read through Psalm 119 out loud – it’s by far the longest chapter in the Bible, and it extols the Word of God – and see if you feel like a hypocrite.
I confess that sometimes I have felt like a hypocrite when I have repeated words like these out loud (Psalm 119:14, 20, 54, 72): “I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.” Really?
And, “My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times.” Is it?
And, “Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge.” Honestly?
And, “The law from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.” Truly?
Is this really how we live and feel? Are these really our priorities?
Recently, I have been . . .
