Hungry and Thirsty: Craving More Than Just Food and Water

Have you ever been so hungry that when you finally ate, you stuffed yourself until you could barely move? Or maybe you’ve been so thirsty, lips parched and mouth dry, that you guzzled water until your stomach sloshed with every step. That’s hunger for food and thirst for water. But do you ever find yourself hungry and thirsty for something deeper—something eternal? Do you hunger and thirst after God?

A Wake-Up Call in Shattered Glass

Several years ago, my husband and I had a moment where God became more real than ever before. He’s always been real to us, but this was like switching from black-and-white to full, eye-popping color. You see we weren’t married yet, and God was convicting us of having sex before we were married. Mind you, we had already set a date. We had completed our pre-marriage counseling and were less than a week away from the BIG DAY. Just as we were about to let our passions run away with us…disobey the conviction of the Most High…the rear window of our vehicle exploded outward. Glass flew across the driveway as if something had shot it from the inside.

Coincidence? No way.

Fast forward six months. Different situation, same problem—delayed obedience, which, let’s be honest, is still disobedience. We were attending a church where God’s Word wasn’t preached, where deacons ran the place like a business. My husband loved playing guitar with the worship band, so we weren’t in a rush to leave. We stood in the kitchen, discussing how much longer we should stay—maybe another month or two? And boom. The back window of our car exploded. Again.

God has no tolerance for delayed obedience. He likes disobedience about as much as we like it in our children. Just ask the Israelites—thousands perished in the wilderness because they complained, disobeyed, and hardened their hearts. How often do we act the same way?

The Johnny Effect

Imagine telling little Johnny, “Don’t go in the street, it’s dangerous.” But Johnny, being his rebellious self, crosses the street to grab a ball. Nothing happens. He smirks, thinking, “See? No big deal.” But on his way back—BAM!—he never saw the speeding car.

We’re all like Johnny. We ignore the clear warnings and only realize why they exist when we land ourselves in pain—physically, spiritually, emotionally, or mentally.

The Fear of God and the Blessing of Obedience

When God blew out our car windows, twice, at the perfect moment, it was more than an Oprah “Aha!” moment. It was a Leviticus 11:44 moment: Be ye holy, for I am holy. I wish everyone could experience something like that—not for the shock value, but to develop a real, reverent fear of God.

We will stand before Him one day and give an account—not by our standards, but by His. Man’s laws won’t matter. God’s statutes and commandments will. And as King David said repeatedly in the Psalms, His laws are not a burden.

A Hunger and Thirst That Transforms

This experience sparked something deep within us—a hunger and thirst to obey God fully. It made us crave knowing Him more, understanding His nature, and aligning our lives with His will. We’re on a “seek and serve” mission (yes, I went there).

But let’s be real—obedience is hard! Our flesh rebels like a tantrum-throwing toddler, screaming, “I DON’T WANT TO!” Sin feels good for a season (Hebrews 11:25). Yet, fleeting pleasure isn’t worth eternal regret. Our sin nature craves rebellion, but the cost is devastating.

Seeking God Like Never Before

Deuteronomy 4:29 tells us, “But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.” Jesus echoed this in Matthew 7:7-8: “Ask and it shall be given you; seek and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you.” I want to be like David, a person after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22, I Samuel 13:14). Do you?

Digging for Truth Like a Gold Miner

I love word studies. It’s like swirling muddy water in a pan, searching for nuggets of gold. In Matthew 5:6, Jesus says, “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” Let’s break that down:

• Blessed (makarioi): Someone in a position to receive God’s provision and favor—literally “to make long and large.”
• Hungering (peinontes): Being needy, earnestly desiring.
• Thirsting (dipsontes): An intense longing.
• Righteousness (dikaiosynen): Divine approval—what is right in God’s eyes.
• Will be filled (chortasthesontai): To be fed, fattened, and completely satisfied.

In other words, those who crave God’s approval and live according to His righteousness will be completely satisfied. Now that’s a promise worth pursuing!

More Precious Than Gold

David puts it beautifully in Psalms 19:7-11:

• God’s law is perfect, restoring the soul.
• His statutes bring joy and wisdom.
• His commandments enlighten the eyes.
• His judgments are true and righteous.
• They are more desirable than gold and sweeter than honey.
• Keeping them brings great reward.

Challenge: Rekindle Your Hunger and Thirst

When we first come to faith, we want to know everything about God. But as time passes, do we still hunger and thirst for Him like before? I challenge you—rekindle that passion. Seek Him with all your heart. The reward is greater than anything this world offers.

Recommended Tools for the Journey

If you’re serious about nourishing your body and soul, consider investing in a quality grain mill and bread machine. Freshly milled grain makes a huge difference in homemade bread! Check out my top picks on Amazon:

• Best Mixer: Kitchen Aid Mixer
• Best Grain Mills: Mockmill grain mill , Kitchen Aid Grain Mill Attachment , WONDERMILL Manual Hand Grain Mill
• Best Bread Machine: Zojirushi bread machine
• Best Dehydrators: Commercial Large 10 Trays Food Dehydrator, COSORI Food Dehydrator for Jerky, Magic Mill Pro Food Dehydrator Machine , Excalibur Electric Food Dehydrator, Excalibur EXC10EL Electric Food Dehydrator

Also, don’t forget to browse my other articles and recipes for more inspiration on healthy living and spiritual growth!

How to Make Whole Wheat Bread in a Bread Machine(Opens in a new browser tab)

Bug-Free Grains: How to Keep Your Bulk Grains Safe and Sound(Opens in a new browser tab)

Grains in Bulk: Healthier, Cheaper, and Sustainable(Opens in a new browser tab)

Obedience is Required(Opens in a new browser tab)