“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2, NKJV)
We are often only vaguely aware of innate spiritual yearnings and cravings within us. Yet, if we fail to heed those cravings, they are quietly snuffed out, and we lose the precious opportunity to cultivate our hunger. Words from the song “Hear Our Prayer” by Tanya Richards say it best: “Like a deer longing for water, my heart yearns. Only You can fill my deep hunger, my heart burns!”
It is in our hunger and pursuit of Him that He is found! God will come by invitation and birth holy passion in us if we make room for Him. Hebrews 11:6 declares, “He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Amos 5:4 challenges us with: “Seek me (inquire for and of me and require Me, as you require food) and you shall live” (Amplified Bible). We usually require natural food several times a day. If I really desire something to eat, I can find it even if I must exert effort in the pursuit. How hungry are we for God? How much energy goes into filling that spiritual hunger that demands attention?
Noted evangelist Verbal Bean led a life punctuated by encounters with God. He often challenged congregations to run after prayer. Once, he asked church members to make lists of their daily activities and bring them to him. As they stood and read their descriptions, they were often shocked to find how far down their lists prayer had been bumped! One godly woman broke down and wept when she realized it had been four days since she had found time to pray. Busyness is like that, robbing, stripping, and leaving us barren.
If we will pray unrelentingly for a holy hunger, He will give it to us! By regularly knocking on the door of His heart and crying out for more, we send up distress signals to Him that won’t be ignored. On certain days, I make “prayer reservations.” I tell the Lord, “I’m seeking You with an organized zeal today.” I let Him know that I’m famished and that He will be my main course for the day.
It’s amazing how we find time for the things that we really want. So much of our missed prayer is fed by lame excuses. Smith Wigglesworth used to say that he never prayed a long time, but never went a long time without prayer. The length of time is not as important as the message we transmit: “See our longings and give us a holy hunger!” When we empty ourselves and follow after Him, He comes to us. It takes discipline for our flesh to surrender in brokenness and waiting. In an act of obedience, we are spiritually nourished.
It is critical to spend time reverently listening. If we allow time for His voice, He will speak. His still small voice nourishes, strengthens, and changes us all at the same time. He truly becomes the “rewarder of them who diligently seek him.” He has the miraculous ability to feed us, satisfy us, and yet leave us hungering for more. A heartfelt hunger for holiness will become not just a one-time experience but a vibrant ongoing passion!
PRAYER
Lord God,
Awaken in me a holy hunger for You. Where my desire has grown dull, breathe fresh life into my spirit again. Teach me to seek You not as a last resort, but as my greatest pursuit.
Forgive me for the times I have allowed busyness, distraction, or discouragement to quiet my devotion. Draw my heart back to the place where I long for Your presence above all else.
Renew my mind and reshape my desires. Let my soul learn to recognize Your voice and respond quickly when You speak. Satisfy me with Your presence, and yet keep me longing for more of You each day.
Make my life one that seeks You diligently and finds joy in Your nearness.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
