“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
Matthew 6:25
Few of us really know or understand the anxiety of hunger. Every night there are 800 million people around the world who do. Those who have been displaced by war or terrorist attacks. Those who have been displaced by famine or natural disasters, like the recent storms of Harvey and Irma. Those who have come to the end of their economic resources. Hunger is more than a displacement and economic issue. Hunger is a physical, emotional and spiritual dilemma that each person can face sometime throughout their lifetime. Hunger is a craving of the body, heart and soul.
More than food
Lack of food and too much food can cause issues of anxiety. Anxiety keeps me in an obnoxious bubble, making it seem like I need to be in control of it all. The opposite of anxiety is trust. In Matthew 6, Jesus warns us at least six times not to be anxious. He provides clear evidence and reasoning as to why I do not need to worry. He describes how the birds do not have to worry about what they will eat and the flowers in the field do not have to worry about what they will wear. As the Creator of all things, He knows and loves to take care of His creation. He longs to take care of me and wants my trust. He will clothe and feed me, but there is more to it. He will expand my faith as I seek first His kingdom and righteousness.
Righteousness
As I start to hunger and crave for His kingdom and righteousness (Matthew 6:33), then there is more to be added to me. What is that more? Hunger of the heart leads to actions of love. A deeper calling to live a righteous life and lifestyle.
How many of us witnessed the recent storms on the news and the destruction of homes, desiring to do something? That is a heart response. It is taking my eyes off myself and my worries ,seeking to do something for others. It is a way that is counter cultural. To crave for right living. “Happy are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” (Matt. 5:6)
Trust
Trust is not always easy. It is a daily choice. It must not be based on my circumstances. It is hidden in a faith relationship that goes beyond displacement, separation, famine or floods. Following the verse above, Jesus said, “Your Heavenly Father knows that you need them all (food, clothing, etc.). The “knowing” in this verse refers to the fact that God sees my needs. As He is looking down over the earth, He sees my need and if I look up in trust, that is where I come face to face with my Creator – building and establishing my relationship and trust in Him. The only earthly relationship that comes close to this spiritual relationship is the familiar embrace of a child running to His parents for their every need. “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer.” (1 Peter 3:12). In the security of this relationship my anxiety starts to dissipate and my craving for righteousness grows. Start craving!
Craving
More than food. Righteousness. Trust.
Below are some life-giving organizations helping with global issues of world hunger. Please consider investing your time and resources.