Hunger and thirst are terrible experiences, but without those inbuilt body responses no baby would ever survive.  They are necessary physiological alarms which alert the person to the need to take action and demand to be satisfied.  Jesus used this physical illustration to apply to a deep inner desire to be in the right before God, to do what pleases God and to enjoy the favour and fellowship of God (Nehemiah 9:15).

The Old Testament story of God's people in the wilderness showed that He was concerned to meet their real needs; He provided them with manna (the word means ‘what is it?’ - a previously unknown food) for 40 years (Exodus 16:35).  But He also showed that He was concerned for a far deeper need, the hunger of their souls for God (Isaiah 55:2).  He promised to refresh the weary and satisfy the faint (Jeremiah 31:25).  This soul-hunger is the result of soul-starvation ... if it is not satisfied, continued starvation starts to feel normal.  Physically, we call that condition, anorexia; a very serious disease in which the person does not know how wasted they have become and has no appetite to be nourished.  

It is a blessing to know our true condition, and to take the necessary steps to get right.  Jesus said that it is healthy to feel hungry for God, to long for His love and desire His approval (Psalm 84:2).  Indeed, like a baby crying for milk, those who cry out to the Lord will be satisfied (Job 34:28).  The word 'pray', which we often use in a religious sense, simply means 'to cry out'.  This is not just a cry to have physical needs met but a deep desire to grow in God and to be in the right before Him.  It is a cry of need, helplessness and even desperation which the Lord does not ignore.

But spiritual anorexia is all too common.  Many people have a distorted image of their identity; they cannot see that they are created in God's image and need the nourishment of His word (Psalm 119:37).  They cannot see themselves as God sees them; they do not believe that they need to be righteous before God.  The promise of blessing is for them too; wherever people have been, all who cry out to the Lord will be saved (Acts 4:12).  And those who have wandered from the Lord will be restored if they are hungry for His righteousness (Luke 15:32).  For all of us, it is a daily decision to cry out to the Lord that we may be right with Him, as we repent and seek restoration.  The more we desire His Word, the more we will grow strong to serve Him.  The longer we delay, the more difficult it gets.  So be hungry and thirsty today!