Signs of Spiritual Health

"I was glad when they said to me, 'Let us go into the house of the Lord.'" (Psalm 122:1, NKJV)

Do you know one of the signs of physical health is having a good appetite? When you're sick, you don't feel hungry. But when someone who's been sick says, "I'm hungry now. Can we get something to eat?" you know they're recovering, getting stronger, getting better.
The same is true spiritually. A sign of your spiritual health is that you're hungry for God and His Word.

When's the last time you hungered for Bible study or to spend time with the Lord? In Exodus 34:14, it says God is a jealous God. One version says He's passionate about His relationship with you. God wants a close relationship with you. But do you hunger for God like He hungers to have a relationship with you?

I remember someone my family was visiting once who basically said, "You can do what you want to, but in the morning I'm going to church." It wasn't rude—it was simply a fact. They were saying, "I'm glad you're here. I'll be hospitable. You can make yourself breakfast, but at 8:30, I'm going out the door to church."

How often do we let anything and everything distract us from time with God and His people? When's the last time you were hungry to spend time with the people of God?

It's similar to when you're dating someone you love: you sacrifice certain comforts and routines because spending time with that person is worth it. The specifics don't matter; what matters is the desire to be with them.

When we're hungry and thirsty for God, we want to get close to Him. When you're that hungry and thirsty, Jesus says you'll be filled. Your hunger for a closer walk with God will lead to holy living because you don't want anything to keep you from intimacy with Him.

Reflection Question: How would you rate your spiritual appetite right now? What evidence in your life shows whether you're spiritually hungry or complacent?

God, I want to be so hungry for You that nothing distracts me from our relationship. Forgive me for the times I've let trivial things keep me from worship, prayer, or Your Word. Help me prioritize our relationship above everything else. In Jesus' Name, amen.

Adapted from "Hunger for Holiness": https://www.joshfranklin.org/media/xjchmry/4-hunger-for-holiness