Blessed Are Those Who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness
Open Your Bible
Matthew 5:6, Matthew 7:7-11, Romans 9:3-33, Romans 10:1-4, Psalm 17:15
BY Kaitlin Wernet
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
70 thoughts on "Blessed Are Those Who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness"
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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.
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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!
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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.
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