Running Hungry

Every now and then when I run I will hear hungry growls and feel hunger pains as I make my way through my running course. It doesn't happen all the time, but when it does, I begin thinking what it is I'd like to eat to satisfy my hunger.

As I ran on my treadmill today, my stomach was on a roll. It just wouldn't keep quiet. I was happy to finish my 3 miles and get some food into it. I don't recall experiencing this hungry feeling during running until I began training last year for my first half marathon. I decided to try the chocolate flavored gel packs and it really helped. But I didn't consume them until I had run about 6 or 7 miles. I don't think I'll use the gel packs for just 3 or 4 miles. I'll just wait to eat when I'm done running those shorter distances.

Anyway, as I ran today feeling that hungriness, it made me think about Christ's Words when He said, "Blessed are those that hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they will be filled." There is no greater satisfaction in life than living a life pleasing to God, one that is holy and righteous in His sight. Of course, for the Christian, our holiness is derived from Him and Him alone. But that doesn't mean we can then live as we please. We are to hunger after righteousness and thirst for it. Hunger for a holy life. Hunger for a life set upon making right choices that reflect biblical principles.

When I think about the things in my life I am hungry for I think about my desire to know God, my desire to serve Him, My desire to please Him in all I do and say. I also think about being hungry for godly and growing relationships -- with my husband, my children, my friends and family. I think about my hunger for a church that is filled with love, grace, mercy and unity. I think of a hunger to see those I know come to Christ who don't know Him as their Savior and Lord. I think of a hunger to see a repentance in the Church universal and a revival of righteousness in the land. I am hungry for the Word to be living and active, sharper than a two edged sword in my soul, slicing the sin right out of me. I am hungry for the Holy Spirit to fall on His people, manifesting His presence with the gifts He gives. I am hungry to worship and sing praises, sometimes shouting at the top of my lungs the glory due His Name. I am hungry for restoration of broken relationships. I am hungry for knowledge and wisdom, but only where love is larger than both. I am hungry for clearer vision to see my world always through the lens of Scripture. And I am hungry for the return of Jesus.

Yes, I am running hungry. It hits me as I run. It hits me as I live. Hunger pains in the physical. Hunger pains in the spiritual. I can fill the former, but Christ will fill the latter.