Bellevue Student Ministry

Hunger & Thirst

“As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for Thee, O God.” Psalm 42:1

I can remember being a little girl and playing outside with my brother all day in the summertime. In the hot sun we would ride our bikes, play baseball, and play hide-and-seek. We would play until we were physically exhausted and thirsty. How satisfying when my mom would bring us a cup of ice water or lemonade to quench our thirst and bring refreshment!

These childhood memories remind me of how I should also act with my Heavenly Father and His Word. Constantly hungering and thirsting after Jesus, His Word, and righteousness should be my aim. As humans we look to many things in this world to satisfy our hunger and longing to be filled. A friend, mate, child, material goods, popularity, fame, and power will never bring us true satisfaction and satiate our hunger. Putting these things aside, what should we desire or hunger for? God’s word says in Psalm 63:1, “O God Thou art my God; I shall seek Thee earnestly; My soul thirsts for Thee, my flesh yearns for Thee, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.” When is the last time I craved God and His word as I do a glass of water or my favorite meal? If we hunger for anything other than God, our hunger will never be satisfied!

How many of us are living a life in spiritually malnourished bodies? May we pray that the Lord help us to stop feeding on the things of this world, and may we run to Him for nourishment. The Bread of Life and Living Water is here and waiting to fill and nourish our lives.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” Matthew 5:6

Heavenly Father, we praise you and thank you for being our Almighty God, the Bread of Life and Living Water. May my soul long for You, Your word, and righteousness.

Jennie McKay, Girls Ministry Assistant