Spiritual hunger is a very unpleasant traveling companion. As pilgrims we have a long way to go and our path will not always be easy. So we need to make sure we are as spiritually healthy as we can. In order to prevent spiritual starvation we need to stay close to God and bask in his presence. When we are spiritually well fed it is so much easier to take any rough patch on the road. If we include God in everything we do we get spring into our steps or whatever it is we need at that time.

Good friend, take to heart what I’m telling you; collect my counsels and guard them with your life.
Tune your ears to the world of Wisdom;
   set your heart on a life of Understanding.
That’s right—if you make Insight your priority,
   and won’t take no for an answer,
Searching for it like a prospector panning for gold,
   like an adventurer on a treasure hunt,
Believe me, before you know it Fear-of-God will be yours;
   you’ll have come upon the Knowledge of God.
And here’s why: God gives out Wisdom free,
   is plainspoken in Knowledge and Understanding.
He’s a rich mine of Common Sense for those who live well,
   a personal bodyguard to the candid and sincere.
He keeps his eye on all who live honestly,
   and pays special attention to his loyally committed ones.
(Proverbs 2: 1-8, MSG)

The dangers of spiritual malnourishment are great for our overall well-being. When we are spiritually malnourished everything else in our lives lacks of meaning, too.  Spiritual starving can affect our spiritual vision and ability to discern what’s good for us and what’s not. When we are spiritually well nourished we are alert to God’s guidance in our lives.

So now you can pick out what’s true and fair,
   find all the good trails!
Lady Wisdom will be your close friend,
   and Brother Knowledge your pleasant companion.
Good Sense will scout ahead for danger,
   Insight will keep an eye out for you.
They’ll keep you from making wrong turns,
   or following the bad directions
Of those who are lost themselves
   and can’t tell a trail from a tumbleweed,
These losers who make a game of evil
   and throw parties to celebrate perversity,
Traveling paths that go nowhere,
   wandering in a maze of detours and dead ends.
(Proverbs 9-15, MSG)

Spiritual hunger is indeed a very bad traveling companion. It makes our journey even more tiresome. It drags down our spirit by pointing out negative things around us. Keeping a steady and healthy spiritual diet in today’s fast-food culture is demanding. But benefits are out of this world. We need to take care of proper spiritual nourishment especially when times get rough.

So—join the company of good men and women,
   keep your feet on the tried-and-true paths.
It’s the men who walk straight who will settle this land,
   the women with integrity who will last here.
The corrupt will lose their lives;
   the dishonest will be gone for good.
(Proverbs 2:20-22, MSG)

Make sure to keep your spiritual diet colorful, refreshing, and renewing. By the grace of God take the boring out of the equation. Try new ways to connect with God but keep what is good. Staying on track with a balanced spiritual diet includes

• praying without ceasing,
• devouring the Bible,
• enjoying the fellowship of other pilgrims on the Way,
• worshiping the Most High with everything we got,
• serving God as he calls us, and
• basking in God’s graceful presence.

The main thing in preventing spiritual hunger is to keep feeding our spirit regularly. No starvation, no fad diets. Jesus and more Jesus will keep the hunger bangs away and us steadily walking towards home.

 

Gracious God,
Draw us near to you.
Let your grace fill our souls to overflowing.
Fill our spiritual needs,
keep us well nourished.
Guide us home,
keep us from getting lost.
Strengthen us for our journey.
Be our Companion.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

Q4U: How do you keep spiritual hunger away? What is included in your spiritual diet?

Blessings to you, fellow pilgrim, as you continue your faith journey. Know that you are not alone and staying close to Jesus will keep you well nourished and strong!

Photo courtesy of Marsha Galyardt