Now there was no water for the community, and the people gathered in opposition to Moses and Aaron. (Num. 20:2)
Expanded Passage: Numbers 20:1-2
Hunger and thirst produce not only physical desperation but also emotional—and even spiritual—despair. Millennials have a catchy term for this kind of reaction: hangry. This term lightheartedly describes the American misunderstanding of genuine need. To be hangry is to lose one’s emotional self-control in the wake of a delayed meal. We want what we want, and we want it now. Hangry is the panicked cry of a toddler, impatient and concerned for the next meal, even though food has been served like clockwork for their entire life. The problem is a complete lack of trust.
Similarly, the Israelites’ next meal was guaranteed. By this time, the Israelites had been wandering for nearly thirty-nine years, and God had provided food the entire time. However, instead of trusting in God’s faithfulness, they lashed out at their leaders. Their problem was physical, to be sure. But the greater problem was spiritual. Though they had been led faithfully, they did not believe their thirst would be quenched. In anger, they accosted Moses and Aaron.
This is commonplace. Leaders are lauded and revered when things go exactly right, and exactly on time. But life rarely works that way. While our leaders should be held accountable, we should not become “hangry” about our own spiritual need. Our dependence should be upon a faithful God.
Trust God to meet your needs today.
Dalene Fisher is a full-time wife, mother, and grandma. She is a former associate professor of English, dean, and assistant provost at Oklahoma Wesleyan University (OK).
© 2025 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
