Review of "A Hunger for God"

A Hunger for God (Desiring God through Fasting and Prayer)

By John Piper

Reviewed by Pat Beaty

            Although this book is about fasting and the author strongly recommends this activity, he begins this work by referring to I Corinthians 8:8, “Food will not commend us to God; we are neither the worse if we do not eat, nor the better if we do eat.”  Mr. Piper goes on to explain that our foe is our desire for things other than the Word (God) and that our stemming of the desire for food might express or even increase our soul’s want for God.  He adds, “when God is the supreme hunger of our hearts, He will be supreme in everything.”

            The author states that the greatest foe of love to God is “not His enemies but His gifts.”  He explains that when desire for these replaces the desire for God Himself, “the idolatry is scarcely recognizable and almost incurable.”  He explains that just about any activity or thing can replace our homesickness for God if we are not careful.

            Mr. Piper says he wrote this book with the purpose and prayer that it might “awaken a hunger for the supremacy of God in all things for the joy of all peoples.”  He states that the strongest, most mature Christians he ever met are the hungriest for God, and explains that “God is an inexhaustible fountain, an infinite feast, and a glorious Lord,” and he invites us to turn from the dulling effects of food, and the dangers of idolatry, and to say with some simple fast: “This much, Oh God, I want you.”

            The writer refers the reader to the biblical accounts of David, as well as the stories of Anna and Simeon, and he explains, “fasting is the exclamation point at the end of Maranatha. (Come, Lord Jesus!). “  He tells us the history of fasting, both Christian and non-Christian, and affirms his belief that “one of the clearest Biblical encouragements to consider fasting as a history-shaping act is found in Acts 13:1-4.

            This author quotes freely from the writings of the Apostles, as well as more recent Biblical interpreters of the Word and explains both the benefits and the dangers of fasting.

            It is felt that this book is well worth your time to read and explore.