Text: Matthew 5:6, Matthew 7:7-11, Romans 9:3-33, Romans 10:1-4, Psalm 17:15
We can’t get Harvey to stop eating green acorns in the backyard. Yes, specifically the green ones, and no, his stomach does not agree.
The main reason our goldendoodle puppy keeps finding acorns is because, well, it’s fall and they’re everywhere. He sniffs them out with the same tenacity I use when looking for a stray piece of gum in my purse. Before you know it, he’s crunch-crunch-crunching away. Again.
We’ve scolded him repeatedly, enrolled him in puppy school, and used lots of bribery. But when it’s not green acorns, he’s gnawing anything from a wooden armchair to a human hand, and at that point, I’ll take the pesky acorn any day. All the while, he ignores his full bowl of dog food, and although I haven’t tasted it myself, I’ll bet it tastes better than all those other things. When will he learn to eat the right things?
Better yet, when will we?
I’m hungry all the time. Of course, my stomach rumbles when I don’t eat breakfast or eye the pint of ice cream in the fridge, but it’s even more frequent than that—I’m ravenous for approval, control, love, and fulfillment. Instagram likes, friendly compliments, and foolproof plans are my foods of choice. Before I know it, I’m crunch-crunch-crunching away. Again.
But even after gorging myself, I am still unsatisfied and on to trying the next thing. Anybody else? Friends, we, too, are missing the satisfaction already set out for us—in Christ.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”
– Matthew 5:6
I tend to picture the person who hungers and thirsts for righteousness as a total kill-joy, as if this verse is telling them—and us—to go on a strict righteousness cleanse. But it’s not! No, it’s inviting us into something so much better. Paul explains the distinction like this: “Because they disregarded the righteousness from God and attempted to establish their own righteousness, they have not submitted themselves to God’s righteousness. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes” (Romans 10:3-4).
If we are left to feed on our own righteousness, we will starve. But when we feed on the righteousness of Christ, we will be satisfied. On the cross, Jesus knew He was the only thing that would satisfy, and even in our longings today, it still rings true. We cannot create or earn righteousness on our own; we can only partake in the gift of His.
In contrast to our worldly desires that leave us longing and hungry for more, our satisfaction in Christ only increases with our hunger for Him. The more we seek first the kingdom of God, the more we will be fulfilled by His goodness—a taste of eternal satisfaction in the life to come.
“But I will see Your face in righteousness;
when I awake, I will be satisfied with Your presence.”
– Psalm 17:15
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71 thoughts on "Blessed Are Those Who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness"
Lord let me hunger and thirst for your word!
SHARON JERSEY GIRL – While in church on Sunday, I was thinking the same thing. I’ve studied so much of the Bible, yet still don’t know much. I think I need to keep studying and re-studying. I know each time something new will be found or I should ssy given to me.
CEE GEE – Thank you so much for all the verses!!
MARI V – I too have not been involved in an in person study. I’m so thankful for SRT!
RHONDA J – Prayers
ADRIENNE – I’m on Mountain time. Next month I will be on EASTERN through the beginning of December and then back and forth Jan – May.
I feel we can look at most of the world and see how starved they are. Seeking righteousness and contentment on their own. I find the more I get to know God the less hungry I am for the world. I pray that I can keep my eyes up on Him! That the world will not pull me away. I used to tell Tanner that he would forget to remember. He thought I didn’t make sense, but I think it speaks volume about our minds and hearts. We forget to remember all that God has done for us. Turning to the world for satisfaction because we get caught up in the glitter it has to offer. The satisfaction that God gives us is so much more.
Good morning She’s! I am so thankful to be a part of this community, I feel like I know you all and look forward to one day meeting at our forever home!! I’m also thankful for all the comments, that often prompt me to dig a little deeper or follow up on a suggestion. Iron sharpening iron – that’s what happens here! …shout out to @Arienne – I’m back on track & here on the right day! Haha
I’ve been thinking a lot about hungering and thirsting after righteousness. It’s not enough that we’re saved, we should desire to know more and more of who God is – of who Jesus is and what the bible teaches. There is SO much to learn!! I’ve been saved for a LONG time, and yet – there is so much I still don’t know, so many more ways to grow. Praise God for His Spirit within us – our teacher, comforter, guide – praise God for the word that is quick and powerful and able to change lives!!
A few days ago we were in Ephesians 2:1-10 where it talked about us being the object of God’s wrath, until by faith we come to Christ. Today in Romans 9:23 it talks about us being the objects of God’s mercy – Hallelujah! We are included with and called the children of God’s promise – Jews and Gentiles alike who did not pursue righteousness, but have obtained it by faith in Jesus Christ. Amen & Amen!! ..I just love the Word of God!! Lord God may each of us hunger & thirst after righteousness. May we never stop asking, seeking and finding. Teach us Father, guide us, grow us day by day by day to know you more and to grow in wisdom and knowledge of You. In Jesus name.
Praying for your requests as I read them. Have a blessed & grace filled day!
4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. – Romans 10:4.
This verse just struck a note with me. I strive so hard to do everything right but still feel “hungry.” Sometimes I get my focus off resting in Christ and keep busy doing! It is all found in Christ. I’m so thankful that He paid it all.
I am reminded that when I approach a buffet of appetizers, entrees, desserts, etc., I know I need to stay clear of the ‘unhealthy’ stuff! My tastebuds crave it so, but my body doesn’t know what to do with it – wasted calories all for nothing. I want to choose healthy options that will feed my body and fuel it the way God intended. Same for spiritual food.
Psalm 119:10-11
New Living Translation
10 I have tried hard to find you — don’t let me wander from your commands.
11 I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
Proverbs 21:21
Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor.
Isaiah 32:17
And this righteousness will bring peace. Yes, it will bring quietness and confidence forever.
Daniel 12:3
Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever.
As a child of God, I should be/desire to be so full of God’s Word/ways that I am “too full to eat another bite offered by world.” May I be an example to others as I choose God’s ‘buffet’.
ADRIENNE – Thank you for keeping us updated on Leo’s progress! May God be glorified!
SEARCHING = Great soul questions! <3
Keeping all SHES in my prayers; you all bless my life!
“when I wake, I will be satisfied with your presence”. Happy FRIDAY sweet She’s. I’m very encouraged by this verse. Psalm 17:15. I love to wake up to God’s Word, and see/read what treasures HE has for me in the morning. I’m so thankful for this ministry of She Reads Truth, I’m especially thankful for all of you here. I haven’t been part of an in person Bible study for many years now, but I feel so connected with all of you here. Can’t wait to meet you someday. I made a typo in yesterday’s comment and wanted to clarify so I posted a comment in the evening yesterday.
Also, if I could ask for continual prayers for my back pain. It’s frustrating to say the least for it to constantly hold me back. I moved to Florida to be active, which is my usual lifestyle despite my bad back, but lately the last several months it seems like I’m laying down more than ever to take the pressure off my spine. Of course, it could always be worse, and I know God knows His plans for me, and I must keep that attitude!
GM!
The Romans passage really made more sense to me this time reading. Sometimes Paul’s wording sounds like a big riddle to me, but God gives you understanding a little at a time, hence the living word. The overall theme for “hungering and thirsting for righteousness is so good and life-changing! I hunger to know more of our Heavenly Father, the life and death of Jesus, and how the Holy Spirit works in us. Isn’t it amazing that the bible is alive and moving and not like some other history book that you read and that’s it? I also have always love the scripture of “ask and you will receive, seek and you will find, know and the door will be opened!” Basically it is on our end to have that relationship with God, through Jesus, and engage daily in it!
“He has filled the hungry with good things and the rich He has sent away hungry.” Luke 1:53
Ask, seek, knock Matthew 7:7
My favorite!
@Adrienne – yes. I’m on Pacific time.
Just an unrelated thought… Have you ever noticed that our comments are time stamped in the Eastern time zone? I am in the Central time zone, and it is not before 8, but before 7. God knows that I am NOT a morning person, so maybe that is meant to make me feel better. Heeheehee!
I just think it is fun to notice at what time people are posting (morning, versus mid-day versus evening…) Or even on the right day, right, SHARON, JERSEY GIRL? Heeheehee!
15 For he tells Moses, I will show mercy to whom I will show mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. 16 So then, it does not depend on human will or effort but on God who shows mercy. – Romans 9:15 & 16
May we be the ones shown mercy and compassion. It is not ME who “does” (verb!), but God. Thirst (verb!) for righteousness today, sweet sisters!
Do I hunger and thirst for righteousness? To study God’s word, believe His truths, draw closer to Him, to seek and walk in His will? To satisfy and fill me? Or am I spinning my wheels by looking for satisfaction in the people and world around me? Lord, please guide my thoughts and actions.
Psalm 107:9 For He satisfies the longing soul, And fills the hungry soul with goodness.
TINA & KELLY (NEO) ❤️ I could see myself in both of your comments yesterday. I stayed in trouble growing up because of attitude and tone of voice, and still struggle with it (mostly with certain people). Interesting how these verses from James tie in with yesterday’s meekness/power under control.
James 3:2b-3
If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. 3 Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body.
ADRIENNE – thank you for the Leo update, praising the Lord for his progress.
TRACI GENDRON, SHARON JERSEY GIRL and others – thank you for the reminder and emphasizing the action words. Especially that waiting is an action – in our waiting, God is working.
HEATHER O’MALLEY – praying for growing and guidance in your waiting
KIMBERLY Z – praying for a successful sale this weekend
CEE GEE – amen on Trust!! ❤️
Maybe it was because of the comments yesterday, but today I find myself focused on the verbs. “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. – Matthew 7:7
I think about when my kids hunger and thirst for food – they never stop asking until they finally get that snack! May I be that persistent in my quest for righteousness!
SEARCHING- thank you for the definitions of meek yesterday. The idea of a broken-in horse makes so much sense. That horse is still powerful, but the power can now be harnessed and channeled. Love it!
“The more we seek first the kingdom of God, the more we will be fulfilled by His goodness—a taste of eternal satisfaction in the life to come”. AMEN!
ADRIENNE – thanks for the update on Leo. Praying this trial brings him and his family closer to the Lord.
HEATHER O’MALLEY – praying the Lord gives you clear direction as to your next steps. Take the waiting time to de-stress.
KIMBERLY Z – praying your sale goes well!
SEARCHING – loved “submission (under God’s mission)”
Needed this today.
“I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” The God whom we serve alone justifies and imparts righteousness, human efforts and sacrifices without a pure heart that loves and obeys God are but filthy rags before Him. But the poor in spirit and the broken are close to Him in spirit. Before we get too carried away with life, or hungry for anything else, always remember we are here only by His mercy. This is His grace toward us.
This message really hit home today. Some days, I feel consumed by social media and the constant hunger for more likes, comments, followers— I equate these numbers to approval, to success. But in the end, I always feel dissatisfied and empty. Only Jesus can give us the peace and contentment we so desperately need. Lord, help me to keep my priorities straight! Thank you for the beautiful reminder that Jesus is ALL we need.
This was so good to hear today. I have been so concerned with gaining approval and worldly success through school, future career plans, my appearance to others, etc. and this is so reassuring. I will always be satisfied in Christ. ❤️
A good reminder to set my focus on God heart and not my own so much of my day. Renewing my faith daily is what I got from this passage today.
I am looking for a friend who is currently doing this study. [email protected]
This is a most useful cotirnbution to the debate
I hope this helps, but this is my interpretation of Romans 10:3-4 which is stated in the passage. “Because they disregarded the righteousness from God and attempted to establish their own righteousness, they have not submitted themselves to God’s righteousness. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” I think this means that people live according to worldly desires and fulfilling their satisfactions through worldly possessions. But, they should be reaching for God’s word and fulfilling their satisfactions by reaching for God and praising Him. Because people do not do this, they have not fully submitted their lives to Him. When we drift away from our worldly desires and fill our hearts with the Lord, that is when we begin to fully submit our lives to Him, which creates more satisfaction and fulfillment in our hearts than any worldly thing ever could!
I am going to be honest and say I do not entirely understand the passage in Romans. That said, knowing God gives mercy and righteousness is my take away.
This message spoke to me today. As a millennial and an individual whose career and social life centers around email, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat this is exactly what I needed. The only righteousness I need is from God, not from social media. It feels good to finally, truly, be hungry for Gods love and approval.
I love this devotion and am so encourage by what God promises to me and to all of us. But if I’m being 100% real with everyone, I don’t know if I believe His promises to me in this season of life. I haven’t really felt satisfied by Christ. Maybe I’m not actually seeking Him, but I don’t know what else I could be doing differently. I don’t know what would help or change. I don’t know if I just experienced Him so fully for so long that this is what’s normal. I just miss Him!
I have struggled the last several years to feel Him and I don’t have an answer for you about why it’s so hard sometimes. But I do believe He wants to just be a part of our lives and to just live with us. Just live our mundane day to day with us. I’m working on letting that be enough and relying on Him to show me who He is. I do feel like the last couple of years I have a better understanding of who He is but I can totally relate to you about not feeling satisfied. And let me encourage you to not be too hard on yourself. I feel like we spend a lot of time saying things like “maybe I’m not actually seeking Him”. There is no magical prayer, devotion or formula. There are times in my life where I have felt much more in tune and in sync with Him and it seems to me that sometimes the harder I try the more disappointed I become. So I’m just trying to let go of my expectations and be willing to hear anything He wants to tell me. I don’t know if any of that is encouraging. It there you go. There’s my two cents.
Sometimes God gives us seasons where he is quiet. It’s the worst!!
Oh Samantha I feel the same… it’s hard.
I’ve totally been there too. It’s so hard feeling like you’re trying so hard to be near him and feeling like the distance is growing. I went through a few years where I felt that way. I was “doing all the right things” (going to church, reading my bible, praying, spending time with other Christians), but none of it made me feel any closer to God. As hard as it can be to feel, God is always there and always working for the good of those who love him and who are called to his good purpose (Rom. 8:28). Fight to stay close to him. Keep praying and keep reading and he will reveal himself in his timing. Always remember his love for you. I’ll pray for you!
I landed on this devotion at the beginning of a fast. How incredibly appropriate and what a centering way to start!
It’s difficult to read this particular post. I have my different cravings to be sure, and I’m not about to claim that I’ve become solid in searching and striving for the Living God. Blessed is He who made salvation possible to the Gentiles!! Still, something aches on a much deeper level; my heart hurts for my family who have sought their own righteousness according the law – according to Torah. I’m not sure how many of you are familiar with this new and destructive path of seeking righteousness; perhaps it’s most common to those who pursue our beautiful God online only. Some YouTubers, facebookers, Twitterers, etc., use much of Scripture against Scripture. Those who watch/read and cease to study God’s holy word for themselves relinquish the “sweetness” they have tasted in the Savior prior, and make for themselves a well-diluted doctrine contrasting the message of the Gospel of Christ.
I look at passages given today and, though the Lord steadies my soul in His rest and complete satisfaction right now, I find I feel the same way Paul did when talking of his fellow countrymen and potential heirs, the Jews. And why forsake the promise according to faith? Why seek your own righteousness according to the law? Our enemy knows that as humans, some of us have an overdeveloped sense of zeal – zeal for performance. Zeal for the checklist, the to-do’s, and the accomplishment thereof. Zeal… But not according to knowledge.
I love the passage from the Psalmist: “But I will see Your face in righteousness;
when I awake, I will be satisfied with Your presence.”
I’m SO ravenous for approval! I feel you on that one. And I constantly forget I have the unconditional love and approval of our great God. I need to rest in that. Because seeking the approval of others is exhausting. I can’t keep up with all the striving. It’s burning me out.
Jesus, give me rest in you. Make me to be satisfied with who you are and what you have given me.
Father, thank you for waking me up this beautiful morning. “Laat mij, recht gedaan, uw gelaat aanschouwen, bij het ontwaken mij verzadigen aan uw beeld.”
Too often, yesterday night too I fall alsleep with the unsatified feelings that I do not reach as many limes as friends have, do not have a fancy fun job (but a serieus on for your church), i doubt if I van keep up with my international friends etc etc
But then is You, You alone! Who wakes me up with your words, telling me that none of deeds , but only my Faith, hope and love in you will safe me from the unsatisfied world I grow up in. Thank you my Saviour of my soul.
Pray that we all may find and send encouragment today. In Jesus name, amen
Me too. So much to process. I’m glad it’s the weekend so I can go back over the beatitudes (spell check had a hard time with that word) we’ve studied so far and glean more. I can’t get enough. Thank you to all who shared this past week. Blessings dear sisters.
Really needed this tonight! Thank you so much for sharing! It spoke volumes to me❤️
“He has filled the hungry with good things and the rich He has sent away hungry.” Luke 1:53
I have been guilty so many times in my life of seeking attention though the internet. And I am sad to admit that most of my relationships in the past seemed to be built around this need for attention as well. But what I have found as I am beginning to get old is that my reason for needing attention is changing and becoming, in some ways, less selfish. I find that when i write a blog post or share something it’s more to connect with others or share with them what I am capable of to make connections with others. There are fewer selfies and less garbage and more to SHARE. Now in terms of hungering for faith and Christ, my well has been dry for a while now, but the mustard seed inside of me has caused me to reach out and seek for inspiration. I realized that it is ok to questions certain things about religions (worship or organ music? immersion baptism or sprinkling, baptizing as a baby or as an adult? etc. etc. etc!) and that it is ok to not be very good at studying the bible. These things come with hungering and seeking for Christ and the Word!
I am ravenously hungry for so many things. I gorge on love, approval, beauty and feeling enough. I feel intense shame for these strong hungers. But this devotion just changed my perspective. When those hungers come knocking, I don’t need to despair or be ashamed. They are an invitation to turn from the junk food that harms to the soul-nourishment that heals and brings life. Those hungers are a blessing that remind me of my desperate need for Christ and His delight to satisfy me and wrap me up in His love and care. Praise Jesus! His invitation is so gentle and sweet <3
AMEN!!!
I love this analogy because I too am physically hungry all the time. What a beautiful reminder of seeking Jesus to fulfill all of our hunger pains.
http://www.in-due-time.com
SRT ladies – I needed this study. It could not be more timely for me. I am so thankful for this ministry God has given you, and all the hard work and love you pour into it every day. The Lord has opened my eyes and blessed me in so many ways through your studies and this community for over two years now! Wow, I didn’t even realize it had been that long until I just checked! So anyway, I just wanted to say thank you!! God Bless you!
At last, somonee who comes to the heart of it all
I love the shift from focusing on our Righteousness to being satisfied with Christ’s. So good!
Today I could see how in a lot of ways, the Beatitudes really build on each other. I love that. Thanks SRT!
I am guilty of these desires. May I change to find total satisfaction in Christ alone.
two other verses come to mind…
psalm 90:14 satisfies us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may be glad and sing for joy all our days.
psalm 23…the part about God setting a table before us
❤️
Oh wow. This one was written for me. Thank you SRT. But even more, thank you Jesus for choosing me!
Thank you for this message and all your helpful comments this morning!!
What a great reminder that our satisfaction in Christ only increases with our hunger for him. I’m so thankful that I have nothing to offer God, but that the righteousness of Christ is fully mine through faith. Thank you for another great devotional!
I needed to hear this today. Thanks SRT for this reminder to just be satisfied with where the Lord has me right now and to rest in His righteousness.
Love the gratitude guide included in the Bible study book today – especially as Thanksgiving Day is just around the corner. And today’s devotion… If He didn’t give me one earthly blessing (and I’ve listed oh so many in the guide), if all Jesus ever did was save me, that would be enough. In my desiring more, in my dissatisfaction, I’m minimizing what Jesus did on the cross for me. May that never be!
Amen! May we be satisfied in Him alone!
Amen! Love this. You have summarized it well for me. We hunger for so many different types of things in life, but Jesus gave us the ultimate satisfaction. When we think of the things that we want and shouldn’t or can’t have we can turn to this idea to remember where we stand on Earth and in Heaven.
This was such a HUGE issue for me when I was younger. Oh, when I think of all the meaningless hurt I inflicted upon myself. My mother-in-law is a potter and many years ago she began making clay plaques with scripture on them. For my birthday one year she gave me one that says, “do you seek the approval of man or God?” I hung it in my bathroom where it is still today. It’s a daily reminder that my goal, everyday, should be His approval. Just being aware that worldly approval was an issue for me has truly helped me to be able to find my true worth in God. I still struggle with acceptance sometimes, but I have learned that who I am is enough. That belief allows more of my focus to instead be on God and his will.
I love this so much, “Do you seek the approval of man or God?”. What powerful words. We all realize that much of what we do in our daily lives requires us to sell ourselves, in the sense that we are our own brand and we must impress people to a certain extent; job interviews, blog posts, making new friends. Do we realize whether or not this is something favorable to God? Is what we are doing flirting with an addiction to attention? If you run a blog it is your job to sell your blog and impress people in some way, you have to have fans in order to be successful. But is the way in which you are doing this glorifying God? Some great food for thought!
I love that in our reading today the verse on hungering and thirsting for righteousness is followed by the one that says, “ask and you shall receive.” We can be confident that a prayer asking for more of His righteousness, even more hunger for His righteousness, will be fulfilled because it is absolutely according to His will. Sometimes I get frustrated that I don’t see other petitions answered, but often they are rooted in my hunger for other things. I recently experienced first hand God’s mercy in answering my desperate prayer to have my joy in Him restored, even while other seemingly good requests remain unanswered. And, I find I satisfied in Him and delighted that He gave what I asked: more desire for Him and His righteousness. Thank you Jesus!
“We cannot create or earn righteousness on our own; we can only partake in the gift of His.”
So often I feel that I must have done something wrong along the way because I feel like my life is so plain. I’m not artistic, I can’t pull off a stylish hat, and my job isn’t world-changing. But these desires are rooted in a need for my own righteousness. Remembering this morning that I am just meant to partake in God’s righteousness.
Jeremiah 29:13 “When you look for me wholeheartedly you will find me.”
Hallelujah !! Thanks for sharing!!
I was thinking on what I choose to feast on-the junk food the world sells me in approval and worth with false promises of lasting when Christ is there with a full table of righteousness laid out for me. That it is my choice daily to snack, gorge and still not be full on the world’s deceits…or to choose the feast already prepared by Christ, where all my hunger and thirst will be fulfilled with the good things He has given.
This reminds me of Deuteronomy 30:19: 19 “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!”
Love that Scripture!
“… and Christ is there with a full table of righteousness” !!!
Oh how that thought overwhelms me with gratefulness but also brings tears to my eyes that I so often look elsewhere for my righteousness.
May I keep my eyes on JESUS and that full table!!!
My associate pastor preached once about how we cannot be hungry and thirsty for righteousness, when we are already full of other desires – and that message has always stuck with me. I like how the author talked about the things she feasts on – eye opening. Lord, I pray for a hunger for your Word and for your presence everyday, that’s greater than anything my flesh may desire.
Amen
Yes yes yes
That’s a great message. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for that!
Yes! Thanks for sharing.