The Power of Spiritual Hunger
DON'T BE TOO SATISFIED
Have you ever wondered why some parts of the world seem to be in revival while other parts of the world seem to be stagnant and dormant? Or, have you ever wondered why some people seem to have more of God's presence in their lives and walk in greater closeness with God while others have faded? I know I have, especially after this powerful ten day trip to Brazil where we saw such an incredible hunger in the people for God and such a powerful outpouring of God's Spirit.
Author Phillip Yancey asked this same question once as he reflected on how God has historically moved around the world. His conclusion can give us great insight and can have a powerful impact on our everyday lives and our walk with God.
“Why are there so many formerly Christian countries? Why does it appear that Christianity has hopscotched around the globe”? I’ve concluded that God goes where he’s wanted."
God goes where He's wanted and desired. Powerful! Do you want to know three keys that can help you attract more of God's presence and grace in your lives?
God goes where He's wanted and desired. This truth lines up with scripture and the invitations that Jesus would make to people. In Matthew 5:6 Jesus said, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled."
ARE YOU HUNGRY AND THIRSTY FOR GOD'S PRESENCE?
John 6:35 says something similar, "Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”
ARE YOU REGULARLY COMING TO HIM AND BELIEVING HIM?
Lastly, Jesus famously said this in John 7:37-39, "On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them."
ARE YOU REGULARLY DRINKING OF GOD'S SPIRIT
Those are powerful scriptures and powerful invitations, but this last scripture gives even more depth and insight into what can help us receive more of God's presence in our lives. It's found in the first chapter of the book of Luke, verses 50-53, in what is known as "Mary's Song". This is the song that Mary sang when she visited Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, and rejoiced in God's purposes coming into the world through Jesus and through her life.
His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
He has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the satisfied away empty.
ARE YOU PROUD AND SATISFIED?
So what does this word satisfied mean? I think it is similar to what Jesus said to the church in Laodicea in Revelations 3:17, "You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked."
In essence it's saying "I'm good. I don't really need God. I don't need any more of God. I'm really not concerned with what God is doing in the world if it doesn't directly affect me." It's taking on an attitude of I have everything I need. It's saying in our hearts and through our lifestyles that other things besides God satisfy us. At a deep level, we can be satisfied with our accomplishments. We can be satisfied with our homes and bank accounts. We can be satisfied with our position in society. We can be satisfied with our spiritual state. We can be satisfied with our perceived "rightness" and how we are living our lives. We can be satisfied with our problem-free lives.
Here are the three keys to getting more of God's presence in our lives:
1. CHOOSE HUMILITY. This is as simple as saying, "God I need you. I truly and authentically need and want you. Come change my heart. Take away anything that doesn't please you." God always honors the prayers of the humble.
2. REGULARLY DRAW NEAR TO JESUS AND PRIORITIZE HIS PRESENCE. In a world with constant distractions and things always vying for our attention, we are called to intentionally prefer and prioritize time with Jesus through worship, through His word, and through His people. When we do, He meets us in fresh and new ways.
3. CARE ABOUT WHAT HE CARES ABOUT AND BE WHERE HE IS WORKING. In the Old Testament the presence of God would move with a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. When God's presence moved, the people of God were called to move and follow. In the New Testament, Jesus would call people to follow him as he moved around and fulfilled the will of God in His life. Similarly today, we experience more of God's presence when we choose to place ourselves where He is working.
May God rekindle our love for Him and awaken us in a fresh way to His presence.