David had a heart hungry for God. The deepest part within him called out for something to satisfy that hunger.
As a deer gets thirsty for streams of water, I am truly thirsty for you, my God. In my heart, I am thirsty for you, the living God. When will I see your face? Your vicious waves have swept over me like an angry ocean or roaring waterfall.
(Psalms 42:1,2,7)
The cry of David’s heart touched the depths of God’s heart and caused Him to respond.
David possessed true spiritual hunger. What is your definition of spiritual hunger?
True spiritual hunger is to have such a fervent desire to know Him that every other desire does not even compare.
Jesus said:
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled.
(Matt. 5:3,6)
Jesus said this because people who are truly hungry will devote everything to fulfilling that hunger. As a result, they will find food.
Perhaps you have seen a person digging through the trash on the street to find food. That hunger within him is so strong that he doesn’t care what you think of him: he is solely interested in finding food to eat. He is hungry.
Spiritual hunger can be the same. If you are truly hungry, you will not stop seeking until you are satisfied. You have to be willing to lay aside all those natural things that scream for your attention and make time with Him your priority.
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Ron Luce was the co-founder and president of Teen Mania Ministries from 1986-2015. Ron and his wife Katie dreamed to raise young people who would change the world.
Ron received his bachelor's degree in Psychology and Theology from Oral Roberts University and his master's in Counseling Psychology from the University of Tulsa, along with an honorary doctorate from Jerry Falwell of Liberty University. He is a sought-after speaker who has traveled to more than 60 countries and has made numerous media appearances, such as Dr. James Dobson's Focus on the Family radio broadcast, CNN, The O'Reilly Factor, ABC Nightline, The 700 Club, Trinity Broadcasting Network, and the Sean Hannity Show. Ron has also written 35 books for teens, youth pastors, and parents and continues to speak at leaders' conferences helping parents and pastors understand the plight of today's youth and showing them how all of us can be part of the solution.
Ron and Katie currently live in Garden Valley, Texas, with their son Cameron. They have two daughters, Hannah and Charity.