hun:ger

¹hun·ger

 noun \ˈhəŋ-gər\

: a very great need for food : a severe lack of food

: an uncomfortable feeling in your stomach that is caused by the need for food

: a strong desire : a strong desire for something or to do something

Full Definition of HUNGER

1

a :  a craving or urgent need for food or a specific nutrient

b :  an uneasy sensation occasioned by the lack of food

c :  a weakened condition brought about by prolonged lack of food

2

:  a strong desire :  craving <a hunger for success>

Psalm 17:14-15

By the power of your hand, O Lord, destroy those who look to this world for their reward. But satisfy the hunger of your treasured ones. May their children have plenty, leaving an inheritance for their descendants. Because I am righteous, I will see you. When I awake, I will see you face to face and be satisfied. 

            - here David is asking God to listen to his prayer and take out his enemies ... satisfy the hunger in this verse doesn't just refer to the physical needs because he ends being satisfied with seeing the Lord face to face.

Psalm 145:16

When you open your hand, you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing.

          - this psalm is full of praise and proclaims the blessings of the Lord to His people... here it refers to physical food but in the verses surrounding it - they talk about His closeness to those who call on Him, granting desires to those who fear Him, and hearing their cries for help.

Isaiah 49:10

They will neither hunger nor thirst. The searing sun will not reach them anymore. For the Lord in his mercy will lead them; he will lead them beside cool waters.

           - this verse is about the Restoration of Israel after the exile... God is comforting His people and providing for their needs as a shepherd provides for His sheep... this definitely has a feel like Psalm 23

Micah 6:14

You will eat but never have enough. Your hunger pangs and emptiness will remain. And though you try to save your money, it will come to nothing in the end. You will save a little, but I will give it to those who conquer you.

             - Micah is all about justice... and that is what God is calling for from His people but He is not getting it. So He says that He will wound His people for their perpetual sin and hunger is part of that punishment.

Micah 7:1

How miserable I am! I feel like the fruit picker after the harvest who can find nothing to eat. Not a cluster of grapes or a single early fig can be found to satisfy my hunger.

                - Micah is crying out looking for someone anyone who is just - who is without sin among his people.

Matthew 5:6

God blesses those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.

                 - This is part of the Sermon on the Mount ... the Beattitudes... each listed with its reward. It doesn't say whether this refers to now - here on earth- or if this is a heavenly reward.

Luke 15:17

“When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger!

              - The prodigal son realizing that at home - back with his father - life is way better and food is abundant even for those who are just working for him. 

Psalm 23

A psalm of David.

1 The Lord is my shepherd;

    I have all that I need.

2 He lets me rest in green meadows;

    he leads me beside peaceful streams.

3     He renews my strength.

He guides me along right paths,

    bringing honor to his name.

4 Even when I walk

    through the darkest valley,

I will not be afraid,

    for you are close beside me.

Your rod and your staff

    protect and comfort me.

5 You prepare a feast for me

    in the presence of my enemies.

You honor me by anointing my head with oil.

    My cup overflows with blessings.

6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me

    all the days of my life,

and I will live in the house of the Lord

    forever.

- this whole Psalm seems to say that God provides for His people in everything ... He is close always, He is always providing, He is always leading, always giving blessings, always good. 

So after all this study I am still stuck wondering why God wants me to be hungry. In most instances - except the Beattitdes passage - hunger is either satisfied by God as He provides for His people or given as a punishment for sin. And when God said 'I want you hungry', I did not get the impression that it was because I was being sinful and therefore needed to be punished. BUT that it was for something else. I just still do not know what exactly. Why doesn't He want me to be satisfied in Him? Why does He want me perpetually craving - never at rest?