Proverbs 16:26 RA Hunger That Urges Us On

Proverbs In 365 Devotions For more go to braggingonjesus.com Proverbs 16:26 A worker’s appetite works for him; his mouth urges him on.  Hunger That Urges Us On Robin Aylor Starvation is of course a horrible thing in many parts of the world. Many places have little food to eat. However, today’s text shows us a context in which being hungry can actually be a good thing. Our cravings for food can keep us from getting lazy and weak and feeble because if we want to eat it is only proper and right that we get a job that provides income so we can buy food and satisfy our appetite.  However; for mankind who is made in the image of God there is an appetite that no food can satisfy. This yearning is known as Spiritual hunger. CS Lewis said: “If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.” Spiritual starvation is of course a horrible thing throughout the world. Many places have little or no access to Gods word. But a hunger for spiritual things is actually a very good thing. Jesus said “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”(Matthew 5:6)  If we quit eating food we would quickly get feeble and ill and die… Even so, spiritual hunger keeps us from spiritual feebleness, sickness and death. If we have a longing or craving for God we are driven to seek after him. We must come to him. Our appetite demands it. Psalm 42:1 As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. If you have an appetite for God it is because he gave you these new taste buds. Psalm 34:8 Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! … Psalm 119:103  How sweet are Your words to my taste, Sweeter than honey to my mouth! Psalm 63:5 My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, 6 when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night;  I would like to re-read our verse for today and then give a spiritual paraphrase. 26 A worker’s appetite works for him; his mouth urges him on. A believers spiritual appetite works for him. his new affections for Christ urges him on. Pray