How Should We Respond to the Surge in Spiritual Hunger?

Millions of people are reading the Bible for the first time. A generation of young people is flocking to stores (or app stores) to get one thing: Bibles. Charlie Kirk’s death has propelled the already steady rise of interest by over 36 percent. (WATCH: Scott Pauley speaks at the WV Capitol Charlie Kirk vigil). Around the world, the transformative truth of Scripture is gripping hearts and minds. I many cases, for the first time. Yet, I fear, many who have been saturated with God’s Word forget the glory of the diamond mine that is gathering dust on their table. Thousands of young people opened the Word of God to find the riches of God’s Word, but have we forgotten?

Jeremiah was tasked with delivering God’s message of judgment on the people of Judah. The brief revival under his friend, King Josiah, had ended. Wickedness ruled the land. Judgment was coming. Yet, with the imminent destruction on the horizon, Jeremiah found comfort in the Word of God. Directly after hearing a message of judgment he must deliver, Jeremiah records, “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts.”

Here are three considerations amid the rise in Bible sales:

As Children of God, our hearts should be glad that God is at work in our lifetime. What a privilege to see God at work in our land and around the world! (Be sure to read Scott’s article: Is This Revival?) If we are praying for Gospel doors and softened hearts, those prayers are being answered. God has provided a window of gospel opportunity to us. We ought to rejoice.

Much of the confusion and depravity the younger generation faces is the very thing that has spurred an awakening. Pleasure does not satisfy, but Jesus does. Social reforms fall short, but the Word of God transforms lives. Political tides turn, but the spiritual realities in God’s Word are eternal. Worldly philosophy brings confusion and chaos to life, home, and community, but the Word of God cuts through deception, delivering clarity. Scripture penetrates the chaos and brings peace. The Bible stands firm when our communities are trembling. This is a moment for those who know the truth to rejoice, and then share it with others.

During every mighty move of God, opposition and false teaching will arise. Read the Book of Acts. In conjunction with, or directly after every might move of God, trouble arises. Those who are rooted in the truth are less apt to fall to the winds of error (Hebrews 13:9). We must not allow cynicism to keep us from investing in others. Yes, some will fall away. Yes, some will stray. That must not keep us from guiding others into the truth. Consider the example of Apollos (Acts 18:26-28). Aquila and Priscilla discerned a young man, bold in his faith, who simply needed instruction. Apollos also recognized his need for instruction. The result was a mighty voice for truth that strengthened the church in several cities (Acts 18:26-28, Romans 16:5, 1 Corinthians 16:9).

As spiritual hunger is revealed, show them the meat of God’s Word. As hearts are set ablaze for Christ, do not snuff them out; give them the right fuel. Connect new Christians to a Bible-believing, local church. Just as a baby needs milk, so God’s children need His Word to grow (1 Peter 2:2). May God help us to be faithful to guide many to the truth of God’s Word and teach them to feed upon it.

When excitement boils, resentment burns. Often, the spiritual fervor of new believers brings conviction to those whose hearts are no longer tender. As the Word of God instills Christlikeness in tender saints, calloused hearts are exposed. I fear that often the busyness of life (even ministry) crowds out spiritual hunger. Just as the junk food crowds out true nourishment in our diets, so the temporal duties of life crowd out the spiritual opportunities God gives us. We must allow God to search us, and we must begin to search the Scripture with renewed passion.

Does an honest self-examination reveal the heart of the Psalmist? We read in Psalm 119:97: “O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.” May that be true of you and me.

We want to help equip God’s people to study God’s Word and share it with others. Perhaps you are one of those who just got their first Bible. Buying a Bible alone accomplishes little. It must be learned, believed, and applied in the life of the Believer. All of our resources are available free of charge for you to use personally or with your local church. Consider following and sharing Scott’s daily Bible study broadcast, Enjoying the Journey (now available in SPANISH). Also, browse our many tools for Bible study and Bible App Plans. May all of us grow in our love for God and His Word in the days ahead.