Spiritual Hunger
“1 As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? 3 My tears have been my food day and night, While they continually say to me, ‘Where is your God?’”
– Psalm 42:1-3
“You are what you eat.” Just as physical health depends on nutrition, our spiritual health depends on our intake. Feasting on fears or worldly temptations leaves the soul malnourished; feasting on the Word satiates the Spirit.
Some scientific studies indicate that the foods we choose to eat or avoid may influence what we perpetually have a taste or yearn for in the longer term. For example, reducing our sodium intake may decrease our desire for salty foods and vice versa. Likewise, the more we feast on spiritual food, such as the Holy Scripture and regular prayer, the greater our hunger for the things of God. When we, like the psalmist in this passage, feast on our own tears, fears, depression, or the temptations of this world, however, our soul gradually becomes malnourished. But like the deer, believers know from whence our true source of strength and spiritual nourishment comes. Our soul induces hunger pangs that only the Holy Spirit may satiate.
God has made ready a table for you and me. Let us accept the invitation and exercise the discipline necessary to partake of the quality food prepared with divine ingredients, such as healing, peace, wisdom and love, by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ that we may become more like Him. Afterall, we are indeed what we choose to eat.
PRAYER
Creator God, quench my thirst and satisfy my hunger for Your wisdom and peace. May my life glorify You. Amen.
JOURNAL REFLECTION
What has been the primary “food” for your soul lately? How can you increase your intake of Scripture this week?