I’M STARVED!  How many times in our lifetimes have we said this in all kinds of voices from whispers to shouting?  How many times have we come to a table of goodies with a warning to all that we are ready to be fed?  Let’s think of our starving times for a moment.  We get to this point of starving when we have been too busy to eat, put off our regular times to feed ourselves because of all kinds of interruptions or couldn’t eat because of a medical issue.  When our stomachs get empty enough to let us know it needs to be fed, we can even get “hangry”, a form of dissatisfaction, angry coupled with needing food in our bellies.  We physically feel hunger.

Our soul functions in pretty much the same way.  A starving soul who puts off being with God, the Father, missing the intimacy of a growing relationship with our Creator who loved us first is spiritually hungry.  We starve ourselves from the One and Only who calms our souls, forgives all our sins because of Jesus, gives us peace and encouragement, taking away all fear and replacing it with the nourishment of his love, grace and mercy.  What a Table God sets before starving souls!

I think of this as the Psalmist lays out the benefits of coming to God’s Table of all that we need to be fed well so that we grow in His character, walk in His ways in relationship with Him while learning to love like He loves us. 

The writer knows the Menu well and asks for one of each: 

Lessons for living

Insight to do His will

Guidance down God’s road

Wisdom (skills for living)

Renewed energy

Relentless focus to avoid distracters  

“See how hungry I am for your counsel; preserve my life through your righteous ways!  Yes, Lord, I’ll have what he’s having!  One of each, please.  Feed my soul this morning.

Worship and Wisdom, Psalms and Proverbs

Part Five

Psalm 119:33-40, The Message

God, teach me lessons for living
    so I can stay the course.
Give me insight so I can do what you tell me—
    my whole life one long, obedient response.
Guide me down the road of your commandments;
    I love traveling this freeway!
Give me an appetite for your words of wisdom,
    and not for piling up loot.
Divert my eyes from toys and trinkets,
    invigorate me on the pilgrim way.
Affirm your promises to me—
    promises made to all who fear you.
Deflect the harsh words of my critics—
    but what you say is always so good.
See how hungry I am for your counsel;
    preserve my life through your righteous ways!

TRUTH:  God feeds our souls daily when we come to Him hungry.

Proverb 10:3, The Message

WISDOM:  God won’t starve an honest soul, but he frustrates the appetites of the wicked.

Abba Father,

Your promises are true.  You feed us like no one else can.  You are the Bread of Life eternal.  You are the Living Water that quenches our thirst for Life everlasting.  You are God, the Sustainer and Nourishment for our souls.  Feed us this morning with all you know we will need for this day.  Give me your daily manna of wisdom, insight and understanding for my soul.  I’m starving and ready to be filled.

In Jesus Name, Amen