Hunger & Thirst (for God)?

Every Christian is expected to grow continually in their knowledge of the Bible, as it forms the foundation of our faith and daily living. Engaging deeply with the Scriptures allows believers to understand God's will, gain spiritual wisdom and knowledge, and apply this wisdom and knowledge to every aspect of their lives. This growth is not just about acquiring information but is also about transforming one's character and actions to reflect Christ more accurately.

You have likely come across the saying or heard it sung that we as believers possess a deep hunger and thirst for God. In John 6:35, Jesus makes a profound declaration, stating, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst." This powerful verse emphasizes the complete spiritual sustenance that Jesus offers to those who find, believe, and fully trust in Him.

In John 4:14, Jesus proclaims, "Whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life." This declaration emphasizes the profound and eternal satisfaction that comes from accepting the spiritual nourishment Jesus offers. This spring of water is a constant and reliable spiritual resource that will never run dry. Consequently, we have no need to ask for additional water from God.

Jesus declares in John 7:38, "He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his belly will flow rivers of living water.” We don't need to seek out more spiritual water because we already have an endless supply welling up from within us!

Jesus emphasizes a condition for those who will never hunger or thirst—the necessity of belief and coming to Him. In the original Greek text, the term "believe" carries a deeper connotation, encompassing trust and commitment. This implies that faith in Jesus is not merely an intellectual acknowledgment but involves a heartfelt trust and a dedicated commitment to Him.

You may be familiar with Matthew 5:6, which states, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.” This is a powerful promise that finds its fulfillment in 2 Corinthians 5:21, where it is written, “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” If we embody righteousness, we no longer experience the hunger and thirst for it.

The unsaved and lost have the potential to develop a hunger and thirst for God, much like a person who longs for nourishment and refreshment. Many individuals have yet to believe in Him or come to Him, but the opportunity for spiritual fulfillment remains open to all.

In my spiritual journey, I've come to realize that my drive wasn't a hunger or thirst for God. Instead, I possess a zeal to please Him and fulfill His will. This zeal has guided my actions and decisions, infusing them with His purpose for my life. I believe that people often confuse zeal with hunger and thirst.

There are numerous alternative expressions we could use that align with Biblical teachings. To put it simply, we could say:

We are passionate about fostering our relationship with You our Lord

We are determined to enrich our time with You Jesus

We are enthusiastic about strengthening our commitment to You our God

Thank you, Father for the zeal you have given us

We are eager to grow in our spiritual journey with You Christ

D. Jack Oswald
Writer | Advocate for Truth