Developing a Desperate Hunger: How to Read the Bible with a Deep Desire and Hunger for God

Do You Read the Bible Like a Nonbeliever?

Reading the Bible is not just about going through the motions. It's about developing a deep desire and hunger for God's Word. As believers, we should approach the Bible with a longing to hear from our Creator and experience His presence in our lives. Unfortunately, we often find ourselves reading the Bible without truly engaging with its life-transforming message.

Developing a Desperate Hunger

Just as a newborn baby desires milk for nourishment, we should long for the pure spiritual milk found in the Bible (1 Peter 2:2). The psalmist reminds us that God's words are more desirable than gold and sweeter than honey (Psalm 19:10). However, our hearts can become cold, dull, hard, and blind, preventing us from truly treasuring God's Word.

So, how can we develop a desperate hunger for the Bible? It starts with recognizing our need for God's Word and seeking His help to cultivate a deep desire within us. We must pray that God would give us the desire to read and understand His Word. Without His intervention, we may approach the Bible as mere text, missing out on the transforming power it holds.

Engaging with the Living Word

The Bible is not just a historical document or a moral guidebook. It is the living Word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16). When we read the Bible, we have the privilege of encountering the very thoughts and heart of God. It is through the Scriptures that God speaks to us, revealing His character, His promises, and His will for our lives.

To truly engage with the living Word, we must approach the Bible with an open heart and a teachable spirit. It requires a willingness to listen, to ponder, and to apply what we learn. Reading the Bible should be an active pursuit, not a passive exercise. As we read, we can ask ourselves questions like:

• What is God saying to me through this passage?


• How does this truth apply to my life?


• What changes do I need to make in light of what I have read?

By actively engaging with the Bible, we allow God's Word to penetrate our hearts and transform us from the inside out. It becomes more than just words on a page; it becomes a living and active force in our lives (Hebrews 4:12).

Biblical References to Deepen Our Hunger

The Bible itself provides numerous references to deepen our hunger for God's Word. Here are a few key verses to meditate on:

Psalm 119:105

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

Matthew 4:4

"But he answered, 'It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’'"

James 1:22

"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."

These verses remind us of the importance of God's Word in guiding our steps, sustaining our lives, and transforming our actions. They challenge us to not only hear the Word but also to apply it and live it out in obedience.

Relevance for Today and the Future

The Bible is not a book confined to a specific time or era. Its truths are timeless and applicable to every generation, including the year 2023 and beyond. Regardless of the cultural shifts and advancements in society, the Word of God remains a steadfast foundation for our lives.

As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, the Bible provides wisdom, guidance, and comfort. Its teachings equip us to make godly choices, discern truth from falsehood, and live in alignment with God's purposes. The Bible serves as a compass in a world filled with confusion and moral relativism.

Therefore, let us approach the Bible with a hunger for truth, a thirst for righteousness, and a desire to know God more intimately. Let us not read the Bible like nonbelievers, but rather as devoted followers of Christ, eager to be transformed by His Word.