What is hunger? In our society we tend to not reach the point of hunger before we eat. Those who eat breakfast have it before work or to start the day at some point. Lunch is had during the lunch hour and we habitually eat dinner around the same time everyday. If we miss a meal we may feel the actual thing called hunger as our stomach begins to let us know it is empty. This feeling can bring on a nauseous feeling as well.
In Matthew five we see what happens if we hunger for God’s righteousness.
“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” Matthew 5:6 KJV
That’s awesome! He will fill us with righteousness if we hunger and thirst for it. But as I mentioned above…true hunger is a feeling of emptiness and desire for something. In our Christian walk we tend to become habitual as well. Go to church – check, do a little devotion – check, do some reading of the Bible – check, do a little praying – check. All of these spiritual items are good for us, but if we do them to get the check mark we are simply going to lunch at lunch time. The hunger for God must be a deep seated desire and longing in our spirit for His companionship and presence.
The song writer and singer Carman sung a song called “Hunger for Holiness”. The lyrics of the song are as follows:
“There’s a silent war that’s raging deep within me
My lower nature fights to dominate
My spirit man is poised and locked in battle
With the carnal side of me I’ve grown to hate.
The trumpet of my prayers plays toward Heaven
A voice of desperation in my cry
Lord, strengthen me that I might not yield myself to sin
But keep Your righteous banner lifted high.
Lord, I hunger for holiness
And I thirst for the righteousness that’s Yours
That my mind would be cleansed
And my spirit renewed
And this temple that You dwell in would be pure.
The tempter stalks about me as a lion
Searching for the slightest scent of blood
For when the skin of my resistance is broken
He moves in swiftly to deepen the cut.
Oh, Lord of all Creation, hear Your servant
You understand the weaknesses of man.
I’m counting myself crucified with Jesus
Alive to Christ and dead indeed to sin.
Lord, I hunger for holiness
And I thirst for the righteousness that’s Yours
That my mind would be cleansed
And my spirit renewed
And this temple that You dwell in would be pure.”
This is a powerful song that describes our daily battle for righteousness. As Paul wrote, “I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate” Romans 7:15 NLT. We are constantly in a battle to beat down our fleshly man and allow the Spirit to lead, as Paul also wrote, “Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit” Romans 8:5 NLT.
Lord, you are worthy of our praise and we exalt you. Please Lord, as we go through this day strengthen our spiritual beings with your Spirit’s presence. Remind us oh Lord, of scriptures to assist us in overcoming temptation, for it is your righteousness for which we hunger. Fill us with your presence that we might walk in holiness. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Be Blessed!
ATFH
Thoughts 