A Deeper Starvation

As I’m nearing the end of Genesis in my Scripture reading, today was focused on the famine. I am struck once again by God’s provision. Provision in direction and supply. Unlike my son who often tells me he‘s starving, Jacobs family was in need. They had come to the end of their resources. In order for life itself they required food. It was a need that forced their travel to Egypt, not once, but twice. There was an urgency that accompanied their journey. However, there was more than a physical need that would be supplied.

Greater than the aching stomach’s were the broken hearts. Years had passed since these brothers, in a moment of overwhelming jealousy and hatred, had sold and abandoned their brother. They had lied to their father concerning Joseph’s circumstances and had lived with the inner turmoil of their deceit. Hunger was not the only thing causing starvation. They were starving for forgiveness and reconciliation. Food was their lesser need. They had a famine of the soul. In pursing what was essential physically, they received what they truly needed.

Are you facing starvation today? I’m going to guess that very few, if any, reading this know the true meaning of the word as it pertains to actual food. However, many may be experiencing an emotional, or more deadly still, spiritual starvation. Maybe it’s just from a lack of need. You’re feasting on activity, outwardly appearing the part, but the doing is providing no real nourishment. Your tummy is bloated, but as Amy Grant used to sing, you’re just a “fat baby”. Your diet isn’t causing growth. Your walk with the Lord is mediocre. You know the Lord and you’ve received what you wanted - a ticket into heaven - but the heart-burning hunger and desire for anything more isn’t there. Maybe you honestly are afraid of more. Maybe you’re frightened to need Him so desperately because others have disappointed you and walked away. That will never, NEVER be true of Jesus. He is all you’ll ever need.

“Oh God, I have tasted Thy goodness, and it has both satisfied me and made me thirsty for more. I am painfully conscious of my need for further grace. I am ashamed of my lack of further desire. O God, the Triune God, I want to want Thee. I long to be filled with longing; I thirst to be made more thirsty still. Show me Thy glory I pray Thee, so that I may know Thee indeed. Begin in mercy a new work of love within me. Say to my soul, ‘rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.’ Then give me grace to rise up and follow Thee, up from this misty lowland where I have wandered so long. In Jesus’ name. Amen”A. W. Tozer

You do not have to go away hungry. God's banqueting table is before you. He is the Bread of life. Daily He provides meat in His Word. He wants to fill your cup to overflowing. If it's been so long that you don't even have that craving caused by a prolonged lack of food, pray that prayer above again and tell Him you need Him to be your desire.

Then bow before Him and receive your full.