Craving

1 Peter 2:2 AMP Like newborn babies, crave the pure milk of the word so that by it you may be nurtured, grow, and mature in respect to salvation.

We have all had them. We see a TV commercial for pizza and suddenly can’t live without it. We walk into a movie theater, and the wafting smell of butter-coated popcorn drives us to the concession stand. A craving is defined as an intense urge or desire, often accompanied by a physical sensation, an emotional pull, and a compulsion for immediate gratification.

Cravings are normal, but Scripture also warns us that we will either crave to fulfill the desires of our flesh or the things of God. “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other” (Galatians 5:16-17 BSB). Or Ephesians 5:17, “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” Only full surrender to the Lord and being empowered by the Holy Spirit will result in longing for the things of God.

Picture a newborn baby. Their desire for milk isn’t polite or subtle. It’s urgent and vocal. They cry until they’re fed. That’s the image Peter gives us; craving God’s Word with that same kind of hunger—fierce, constant, and essential for life. What is this “spiritual milk”? It’s the transforming nourishment that comes from God’s truth—His Word, His presence, His voice. Just like milk provides everything a baby needs to grow physically, the Word of God gives us everything we need to grow spiritually.

This kind of craving is not a casual interest but a vital, life-sustaining hunger that fuels our spiritual growth and maturity. Psalms 63:1 paints a picture of someone desperately craving what only God can provide: “You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.” When we have tasted the kindness and grace of the Lord, our hearts are drawn again and again to the nourishment found in Scripture. The Word is not just inspiration; it is the very source of strength, hope, satisfaction, and transformation of our souls. 

There is a reason God instructs us to crave the “pure milk of His word.” The God-breathed Word is uniquely powerful to “transform and renew our mind” (Romans 12:2), “setting our mind on things above, not on things of the earth” (Colossians 3:2). Every portion of Scriptures originates from the creative, life-imparting breath of God Himself (2 Timothy 3:16). Just as we were created in God’s image and made alive, the Word of God is fully alive and fully reflects the heart and image of God himself.

But the purpose of “craving the pure milk of the word” is more than just temporary satisfaction and immediate gratification. It is to spur growth and maturity as a believer, moving us beyond elementary teachings and on to greater fruitfulness. In the natural world, fruit has two purposes: as nourishment and as the primary means of reproduction. Within every type of fruit are seeds to propagate or spread the species. It is no different in the spiritual world. Spiritual fruit is not meant for ornamental purposes or just to be seen, but to provide spiritual nourishment (encouragement, comfort, inspiration) to those that you encounter and to fulfill the great commission, ‘Go and make disciples’ (Matthew 28:19).

Crave God’s Word. Build a routine of reading and meditating on His Word. It will change your life, change your perspective on life’s challenges, and impact how you view people. Let’s grow in maturity.

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Gary and Sandy Anthony

Hosea 6:3 NLT Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know him. He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring.

Romans 1:11 NLT For I long to visit you so I can bring you some spiritual gift that will help you grow strong in the Lord. When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours.

Psalms 119:103 NLT How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey.

Psalms 19:7-10 TPT The Lord’s Word is perfect in every way; how it revives our souls! The Lord’s laws lead us to truth, and his ways change the simple into wise. The Lord’s teachings are right and make us joyful; his precepts are so pure! The Lord’s commands challenge us to keep close to his heart! The revelation-light of his Word makes my spirit shine radiant. The Lord’s decrees are trustworthy. The fear of The Lord’s is pure, enduring forever. The rarest treasures of life are found in his truth. That’s why God’s Word is prized like others prize the finest gold. Sweeter also than honey are his living words— sweet words dripping from the honeycomb!

Psalms 119:130-131 NLT The teaching of your word gives light, so even the simple can understand. I pant with expectation, longing for your commands.

Hebrews 4:12 NLT For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.

Proverbs 4:4-5 NIV Take hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands, and you will live. Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them.

John 6:63 NIV The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.

Jeremiah 15:16 NLT When your words came, I devoured them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, Lord God Almighty.

Isaiah 55:10-11 NIV As the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

Matthew 4:4 NIV Jesus answered, It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.

Proverbs 2:1-5 NLT My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God.

Colossians 3:16 NLT Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom He gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.

Psalms 1:1-2 NASB How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.