Satisfying Our Deepest Hunger

Ruth

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”

—Matthew 5:6 ESV

Honey, look at this omelet!” I said to my husband. We were on our way to one of our favorite restaurants in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and I was already looking at pictures of food from another local restaurant’s Instagram page. “It’s local farm to table. Organic. We need to try this place next!”

My husband was not fazed by my food enthusiasm. He knows me well enough by now to know I love all things food. He often jokes that I could work for the city, telling visitors where to eat. He’s probably right! I love good food, and it seems like God does too.

Think about the way God wired us. The average human being has around ten thousand taste buds. Our taste buds have microscopic hairs that send messages to the brain telling us if something is sweet, salty, bitter, or sour. Food is far more than fuel. It is something to be enjoyed. Food is good and tasty, filling us with delight. No wonder we love to eat so much!

But the Bible reminds us about another side of food. Food is really only a pointer, directing us to what our souls crave most—joy and comfort and satisfaction in God. The Bible uses the language of food and drink often. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled” (Matthew 5:6). The psalmist longed for God as he longed for water in a dry and weary land (Psalm 63:1).

As good and tasty as food is, it is meant to remind us not just what our stomachs need, but what our souls need—to be satisfied in Christ. He alone is the Bread of Life whose words sustain and strengthen us. He is Living Water, quenching our deepest thirst.

Like anything good, food can become a substitute for God. We can turn to eating or drinking to find the comfort, joy, or satisfaction that only God can bring. Food is essential. It is good. But in those moments when we are tempted to turn to food for comfort or satisfaction, remember that God wants to do far more than just feed our stomachs. He wants to fuel our souls.

Lord, You are my soul’s desire. I long to know You more, experiencing the depths of Your love for me. Remind me each time I eat that my deepest longing is for fuel for my soul and not just food for my stomach. Only You can satisfy me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

How are you being controlled by your appetite instead of controlling your appetite?

In what ways and in what situations does your soul crave God?