What does your life look like? Is it flat out, busy? Are you tired out, empty? How are you filling your days? Does it fill you? Are you satisfied?

It is taking me many years to discover that although busyness may keep me busy, it doesn’t fill me up. I need something more. And I am also learning that, in spite of what the world tells me, stuff doesn’t do it either. No matter how much I own – I never have enough. As much as I might kid myself that if I could just get the latest car, outfit or ipod, then I’ll be full, the truth is, I’m not. I may be happy for a moment perhaps, until I see the first scratch, stain or newer model, and then I need more.

This year at Centenary Lakes, our hearts’ desire is to be filled. As we turn to God in prayer, we are believing that God will respond, filling us, feeding us and producing growth in the church. And we are seeing interesting things already. We are seeing baptisms, and people responding to invitations to come forward for prayer, we are seeing people share about their encounters with the Holy Spirit and we are seeing His love and power transforming lives.

Personally, I am discovering the truth of the words from the Bible that “(Wo)man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

Hunger

I’m hungry

for bread & cheese,

for pasta & wine,

for roast lamb & vegies,

for chocolate & ice cream.

I’m hungry, so I eat.

And I am satisfied.

Until I’m hungry again.

I’m hungry

for a piece of land by the sea,

for a newer car,

for another painting,

for a bottle of perfume.

I’m hungry, so I buy.

And I’m content.

Until the next time I want something.

I’m hungry

for company, for conversation,

for affirmation, for love.

I’m hungry, so I throw a party.

And I’m full, I’m on a high, I’m the life and soul.

Until the party ends and they all go home.

And I’m alone again.

I’m hungry

but food and things and people won’t do,

won’t fill the gap or plug the void.

I’m hungry

So I kneel, I fast,

I pray, I cry out.

I’m hungry.

And with words of love God feeds me.

He fills my body and soul.

Everything else are stop gap measures.

They merely block out the hunger pangs,

so I can’t feel my desperate need.

But when God feeds me

I’m full

forever.

This might be an uncomfortably personal question, but what are you filling up on?

Angela Harding