Satisfying Your Soul's Hunger: Lessons from Manna

Oct 18, 2023

Dear Sisters in Christ,

Have you ever felt that deep, soulful hunger, like an ache within your very being? It's not a physical hunger but a spiritual one. This yearning often creeps in when life's trials bear down on us, demanding more than we feel we can give. Today, I want to dive into this profound hunger and share a story that might resonate with your own experiences.

Let's rewind to a season in my life when I had four children, each under the age of seven, and only my eldest could communicate with me verbally. Two of my sons had autism, and the responsibilities of caring for them were overwhelming. Their communication difficulties, sleepless nights, and various challenges were all-consuming. The emotional and physical exhaustion left me empty.

Now, let's shift our focus to the story of the Israelites wandering in the wilderness. In Exodus 16, the Lord promised to provide them with bread from heaven. When I read this account, I was struck by the size of the manna. It was described as being as small as a coriander seed—tiny, nearly imperceptible. The Israelites had to gather just over nine cups each of this minute sustenance each day. It was not served on a silver platter; they had to put in the effort to collect it.

Much like the Israelites, we must work to satisfy our inner hunger. Spiritual nourishment doesn't fall into our laps; we must actively seek it. Our daily efforts may include prayer, scripture reading, serving, or recognizing God's presence in our lives. These small acts collectively fill our spiritual well.

Additionally, the Israelites continued to gather manna for 40 years. They performed the same task every day, and it sustained them. This principle of consistency applies to our spiritual lives too. Instead of constantly seeking new and flashy ways to connect with God, it's often the basic practices—prayer, scripture study, attending church—that truly draw us closer to Him.

I can attest to the power of these principles in my own life. When I was fatigued and my children were young, I felt God's strength upholding me, allowing me to press on even when I felt utterly drained.

So, I encourage you to embrace these simple yet powerful practices. Gather the tiny seeds of faith every day to nourish your soul. This is how we connect with God and satisfy that deep inner hunger. Once our spirits are filled, we can go out into the world, strengthened and ready to serve others, sharing the love and grace we've received.

Let's satisfy our inner hunger, strengthen our sisters, and shine as beacons of God's love. Share this message with someone who might need it, and let's inspire hope.

With love and blessings,

Tamara K. Anderson

Satisfying Your Soul's Hunger: Lessons from Manna

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