Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Matthew 5:6

Hunger and thirst are natural sensations. We’re very familiar with them. God created these desires so that we wouldn’t forget to eat and to stay properly hydrated.

We feel that same sensation, a profound inner desire for other things than food. Sometimes I find that I want something so bad that all my teeth hurt, and it isn’t always something that God would approve. In fact, I’ve found that the more fervently I want something, the more likely it is to be something I probably shouldn’t have.

Do you feel a thirst for righteousness? Do you have a deep, inner longing, like a hunger, to be live right, to know that you are thinking, speaking and doing  what God wants?

A profound desire for righteousness comes only from the Holy Spirit. My sinful flesh isn’t likely to want it. The world only wants me to look righteous, but the Holy Spirit working in me wants me to be righteous.

And this is a hunger that God approves. It’s difficult to achieve because the world, the devil, and my own sinful flesh will oppose me at every turn. I get discouraged and I’m tempted to give up the struggle, but the Lord Jesus Himself said that this hunger and thirst will be satisfied.

So hang in there. Keep pressing on to be right with God in your thoughts, your words, and your choices. That desire will be satisfied, and meanwhile, remember that Jesus has already paid for what’s lacking in your search for genuine righteousness. You’re forgiven, so press on!

Lord, sometimes the desire to be right with You is not the strongest pull in my my heart; other desires scream louder. But I long to know You, to live close to You, to be right with You. Thank You for forgiving my many failures along the way!  Amen.

Pastor Dan Giles