Dear Carly,First off Praise God! Just the admittance of hunger pains ought to be somewhat telling. That there is a concern within that this is not the case and you want to actually do something about it.Think Hulsey's advice is good in part. One of the main thoughts in that outstanding message is that 'blessings' are a by product not the prime product and this may all be point moot if this is already realized.You'll likely hate me for being simplistic here, but do you spend much time in scripture? In prayer? There is certainly a discipline necessary to often times make ourselves buck against our natures before that nature becomes more subjective to the desires that have over taken them...That's a ridiculous way of saying we become what we set our desires upon.I don't think putting ourselves into a guilt trip is the answer nor is being passive and waiting for the Lord to just bowl us over with some 'experience' or the other is going to do it. It does take some work, Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.Without knowing more of the details this may be just speculation, but maybe some 'shock treatment'...For me, death is the topic that keeps me 'on track', that as well as the fleeting temporal existence that we are presently experiencing. Eternity is a long time without time. What could be more important than to know God at least as much as we can from what He has revealed of Himself through His Son, through scripture, through the Holy Spirit living within us, guiding us into all truth?Maybe just a change of perspective would be beneficial. We can get bogged down in doctrine sometimes or on certain emphasis's and a change of thought can be eye opening.Been reading, actually listening to a lot of the Old Testament lately, starting with Jacob and going on through Deuteronomy at the present and it really brought back the fear of God and while I am at it need to interject a comment on that. Beginning to wonder if there hasn't been a whole lot of soft-peddling the idea of 'fear' meaning 'reverence', I understand that to a point, but whatever happened to "putting the fear of God into them"? I guess what I am getting at is the seriousness of all that the Lord God is, His Holiness, His 'otherness' and just where we rank in the scheme of things, very humbling yet also producing a real sense of awe and worship. That instead of squashing us like the bugs we are, He chose to love us and save us from His righteous wrath, putting it all on His Son in our place. Amazing grace indeed!Sorry for the digression there. There is just so much to learn and grasp and it seems the more you get to know the Lord the more your hunger increases. It may depend a lot on 'where your head is at', the circumstances that surround you right now. What is your outlook on life and faith? Do you see the world in a biblical worldview, I mean do you tend to see things in day to day operation as being guided by a unseen hand? Do you talk to the Lord throughout the day? Asking for His help and guidance? Praying for others and for situations that come up before you?The harder questions are we being honest with the Lord and others? ('Are my hands clean?')Nothing escapes Him and admitting that to Him and ourselves is the first step in our healing. Remember He is seeking those who will worship Him in Spirit and Truth, but with that notice who is also doing the seeking, He is after you and want's to be more than 'first' but 'all'.Here is a couple of items that may be of some help:The Pursuit of God by A. W. Tozer The Practice of the Presence of God: The Best Rule of Holy Life By Brother LawrenceHope you only take what may be of help and disregard the rest.
