How hungry are you right now?
Such a question causes many responses. Some people are hungry when they read that question and can answer it easily. Others may not be hungry and so they merely think of whatever outstanding food they have just eaten. In either case, the question of hunger is similar to that of pain. There is a first level question; "Are you in pain?" That can easily be either yes or no. But if someone is in pain or is hungry, there can then be the follow up question of the extent of hunger or pain.
Hunger, like pain, is a pervasive symptom. If a person is truly hungry, it can occupy the mind all the time. However, constant satisfaction and comfort drives the thought of hunger far away. Most people don't allow hunger to occupy their minds for long as they meet their need and forget. This phenomenon is that to which God refers in Deuteronomy chapter eight. (Deuteronomy 8:10-12 specifically)
When hunger was no longer prevalent, God's constant provision was no longer going to be noticeable. This idea of hunger also pervades the Bible in the discipline of fasting. Many Biblical characters fasted for the sake of a focus on prayer and trust upon God. By allowing such a base desire as hunger in order to focus on prayer, people demonstrated a conscious dependence on God. I will not here elaborate any lengthy discourse on fasting. But what I do is challenge you to consider hunger differently. Rather than considering it as a sign to satiate yourself, think rather how you can focus on God and recognize your own constant dependence.
