The World Is Starving Spiritually

As I’m watching the revival happening at Asbury University (and the other college campuses it is spreading to), I keep thinking how “hungry” these young people are for God. How much they are craving closeness to Jesus. The world is starving spiritually. 

We have looked for sustenance in places, ideas and people who cannot feed us. It’s like eating a candy bar and expecting to be full. You won’t be. Sure, you might get a burst of energy. It might “tide you over.” You might even feel satisfied for a while – but it won’t last and you won’t be nourished. Nourishment doesn’t come from junk. It can’t. 

We’re also hungry, and in some cases starving, for connection. For relationship. For closeness that happens in-person, off-screen. We want to be together (even the introverts). We want to be together, united, instead of alone, divided. 

Perhaps it was the separation caused by COVID? Maybe it’s the disconnect that’s been created by this hyper-connected world? This growing hunger for connection is bubbling over. We crave to be known. To be seen. To be wanted. To be loved. To be held close. To be tethered so that we can’t slip away.

These spiritual and relational cravings are evidence of a deeper need, a persistent lack, a growing hunger that can only be filled by Jesus. He is the only one who can meet our deep need. He is the nourishment our hearts and spirits are desperate for. And His Holy Spirit is moving.

The world is hungry. 

Gen Z is hungry. 

The students who stayed that day to continue praying, to continue worshiping at Asbury were hungry.

Lord, I am hungry too. 

“Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.” (John 6:26-27, ESV)