A NEW HUNGER
LIVING WORD DEVOTIONAL*
By Pastor Mensa Otabil
Saturday 24th January 2026
A NEW HUNGER
Scripture Reading: Amos 8
_Behold, the days are coming," says the Lord GOD, "That I will send a famine on the land, Not a famine of bread, Nor a thirst for water, But of hearing the words of the LORD. Amos 8:11
God uses the metaphor of extreme hunger – famine – and thirst to make a statement about the passion He wants us to have for His word.
In times of famine, people do not think of food as something that should look good or taste good but simply as the means for their survival. A person who is really, really hungry does not think of food in terms of taste or aroma but for survival. He spends all his time and energy looking for ways of getting food. His mind is consumed with thoughts of food.
That is exactly how God wants us to relate to His word. He wants us to be so hungry for His word that all we think about is word, word, word.
With joy, we will drink and eat the Word as water and food necessary for our souls. Hunger for the word of God produces:
Godly priorities.
Our priorities reflect what we consider to be important. What we consider to be important determines how we use our time and spend our money. How much will you spend on a Bible or a book to build your spiritual life?
Godly pursuits.
Our pursuits reflect what we run after. When pursuing something we bypass other things in order to get what we want. What are you ready to bypass in order to grow in Christ?
Godly pleasures.
Our pleasures reflect the things that make us happy. When we take pleasure in the Lord, we enjoy His presence and desire Him. How happy are you when you are in God’s presence?
Yearn for more of God’s Word.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, my soul yearns for you. Feed me daily with your word and renew me with your Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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