God Fills the Hungry Soul

“For He satisfies the longing soul, And fills the hungry soul with goodness.” Psalm 107:9 NKJV

In a story titled “‘I’m hungry’: BYU All-American runner breaks 25K record at 48th Amway River Bank Run” published over the weekend, it was reported that Casey Clinger, in his first-ever 25K road race, the largest of such kind in the country, shattered the American record at the River Bank Run on Saturday by finishing with a staggering time of 1 hour, 12 minutes and 15.01 seconds –– easily defeating the old record, which was set by Diego Estrada (1:13:09) at last year’s run. Clinger was among the front-runners for the men’s race but used a swift final mile-plus kick in storming to victory. “It’s really rewarding to take that next level up and compete against such high talent … but man, I’m hungry and I just want to get out there and run again,” said Clinger, 26. “I’m loving it, and I just got to keep working hard and I’m excited for what’s next.”

And, you know, when it comes to the type of hunger that drives a person to run back again and again to gain something, the Bible tell us that God “satisfies the longing soul, And fills the hungry soul with goodness.” Which means it’s not the self-sufficient soul whose hunger is satisfied, but the one who yearns for the fullness of Christ. It is not the self-reliant individual who is refreshed with living water and feasts on the bread of heaven, but the one who, like the exhausted deer, pants for the refreshing water-pool in the midst of a dry and dusty desert. The one that seeks after God with their whole heart is the one that finds his or her satisfaction in the Lord. And it’s this person, the one who continually hungers for the presence of God, that will continually be filled with His goodness.

So, if you’re going after the things (like people, possessions, and prestige) of this world in an effort to satisfy your soul, stop running my friend. Turn your eyes and heart to Jesus instead and allow Him to provide the contentment and peace that your soul desires. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we will never truly be satisfied until our soul is filled with your Presence and all the goodness—the peace, the contentment, the ceasing to strive, and the ability to appreciate and be thankful for what we have—that comes from being filled with your Spirit. Give us a hunger for your Word each morning and evening Lord so it will be the first thing we seek when we wake up and the last thing we think about before drifting off to sleep. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!