Hunger and Thirst for God!

It is commonly held, and research supports, that it takes doing something for 21 days to form a new habit.

That may not sound like a very long time to add some new routines to your life, but if you have ever had to do something new for 21 days straight, it can be a challenge.

This is especially true if this new habit is not a job, a new love interest, a fresh piece of technology or a really great new restaurant in town.

Most habits we know we need to change or add to our lives are ones that take focus and discipline to make a part of our daily routine. As the old saying goes, "If it were that easy, everyone would be doing it"!

This coming Sunday, our church will begin a corporate season of fasting. For 21 days in the new year, and new decade by the way, we will set aside food, and possibly other necessities to make more time for spiritual pursuits.

Fasting is VERY biblical, and can be VERY powerful.

In Matthew 5:6 Jesus said that those who "hunger and thirst" after righteousness would be filled.

If you have ever been hungry or thirsty, then you know the intensity of desire that can sometimes go with a need for food or drink. Our bodies do some strange and desperate things to get to food and water because our very lives depend on them.

Jesus says that, as believers, this is how intense our desire for righteousness (right standing before God) should be.

I believe fasting is one way our body can teach our spirit how to be hungry and thirsty.

What if our spirit was as hungry for time with God as our bodies often are for a fresh cheese pizza? Have you ever seen someone who is hungry when the food arrives? They hover around the table. They jockey for position. They can hardly contain themselves as they dish out the portions onto their plates.

If you have ever fasted for more than a day or two, then you know the intensity of this desire. Your mind begins to think about the end of the fast and its desire and need for a good, warm meal.

Not long ago, some friends and I were on a 21-day fast together. About day 17, we were intensely hungry. One of our friends is a gourmet chef, and had whipped up some strained soups that fit within the guidelines of our fast.

At first I was a little reluctant because I didn't want to break my fast. But when I was reassured that the soup would not void the fast, I headed over to his house.

I am not sure I have ever tasted anything that amazing in my life!! We all laughed as we crouched over our little cups of soup, savoring every sip.

What if our spirit was trained to desire time with God in this same way? What if the intensity of our desire for God matched the intensity of our desire for a juicy steak, fresh salad, or a small bowl of soup? What if we drank in every word from God in the same way my friends and I appreciated every spoonful of that soup that night?

I can see how, on some level, this is the kind of mentality that Jesus was referring to as he drew a comparison for seeking and desiring God.

What if we opened the Word seeking truth as many times as we opened the fridge seeking something to eat?

When we fast, we are showing our body that it is not in control of our desire. At the same time we can help our spirit get a sense of what it means to really be hungry.

I want to encourage you, even if you are not part of our congregation, to set aside some time to fast in this coming new year. The Bible offers example after example of types of fasts, purposes of fasts and lengths of fasts. There are many great resources on the internet and in bookstores about fasting.

One of the greatest benefits of fasting in my personal opinion, is the closeness one feels with God as a result of a fast. Every time I fast for a significant time and purpose, I walk away feeling stronger in my spirit and more in control of my body and will.

Are you hungry and thirsty for being right before God? Through fasting, let your body teach your spirit how to be hungry again!