Day 8: Hunger

John 6:35 (NIV) Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.”

We all know what physical hunger feels like—and how strongly it clamors for attention and satisfaction. Our body tells us that we need to eat to fend off starvation. Our taste buds also remind us that eating can be enjoyable, one of life’s most basic pleasures, especially when our favorite foods are on the menu!

Our spiritual hunger is just as real. While we may not understand or recognize it, our hunger for God cries out constantly to know Him and to find in Him the nourishment we need. Nothing else can satisfy us like God Himself.

As the Son sent by the Father, Jesus is the “bread from heaven” that gives life—the One who imparts God’s eternal life to us. By faith we feast on the Savior, drawing nourishment and strength, and discover that we don’t need other things to fill us up. His grace is more than sufficient, as He promised (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Fasting heightens our awareness of spiritual hunger and our desperate need for God’s grace. It helps open our eyes to the reality and riches of life in Christ that provide everything we need. Then our physical hunger serves a deeper purpose of driving us toward Jesus for full satisfaction of the hunger in our hearts.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord God, for sending Jesus as our bread—the source and sustainer of life. Teach us to draw close to Him and enjoy the rich, eternal satisfaction only He provides. In Jesus’ name. Amen.