Feeding Your Hunger for God

Hungry For God by Margaret Feinberg

I’m convinced that people today know a lot more about how to become a Christian than about how to be one. Jesus says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.” This verse isn’t just an invitation to become a believer, but to live as one.

You will read to end of Hungry for God before encountering this nugget but the meandering journey is worthwhile. Author Margaret Feinberg intertwines the scriptures, prayerful insight and keen observations of life in a delightful guide to a variety of ways to hear the voice of God and discern how the words apply to your life. The book serves as a fine introduction to a variety of spiritual disciplines, especially for those intimidated by higher-order approach of a Foster or Willard.

To call the book uneven is a compliment. As each reader peruses the paragraphs, some will pass by unnoticed while others will imprint the words on your mind to be savored and reconsidered later in the day. One such passage describes her experiences attending a church in which she felt herself going through the motions but remaining dry at the conclusion. Margaret tells of a subtle transition that occurred as she became more intentional about preparing for worship, reading the scriptures and studying, opening her heart and becoming more than simply present at the service.

Modern Christianity often portrays the conversion experience as a conclusion rather than a new birth. We devote resources and energy to bring people to the cross but then leave them to discover that it is the beginning of a new life rather than a triumphalist moment. Feinberg’s fine book can serve as an excellent book for discussion among believers trying to learn the basics of living out the life of a Christian. It is accessible to everyone and offers multiple entry points for later consideration. An enjoyable read that can be picked up for a few minutes and then put down for the rest of the day without missing a beat.

I’m grateful to Zondervan who provided this book for review.