Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – December 8, 2018
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6
Passion for God precedes a fulfilled heart for God, as determined disciples of Jesus are not satisfied until they get to the Lord for love and direction. What does it mean to hunger and thirst for righteousness? It is a deep desire within the believer’s inner being to not only want to participate in righteousness but also possess it. It craves more of Christ.
“Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness and who seek the Lord: Look to the rock from which you were cut and to the quarry from which you were hewn” (Isaiah 51:1).
A faith-focused frame of mind is filled with God thoughts. When I give in to doubtful thinking, I am susceptible to believing lies, but when my mind is set on things above, the world’s allure loses its luster. Like a rock climber, we can look up and see the beauty of our destination, or we can look down and become dizzy with doubt and fear. “You come to the help of those who gladly do right, who remember your ways” (Isaiah 64:5).
Happiness results as we pursue righteousness with a passion. Does this drive your behavior? Do you try to get by with what is least expected from the Lord, or do you seek to exceed His eternal expectations? What if we pursued righteousness like we pursue unrighteous mammon—money? Economics, politics, and religion would all benefit. “In the way of righteousness there is life; along that path is immortality” (Proverbs 12:28).
Sinners seek Jesus for salvation, and then they continue to seek their Lord for sanctification. Our pursuit of righteousness was enabled by Christ’s purchase of righteousness on the cross. Hunger and thirst are appetites that return frequently. So we daily feast by faith before our heavenly Father. God gladly fills and satisfies our soul.
What hinders your race for righteousness? Are you in the race or sitting on the sidelines? Perhaps you once sought the Lord. It is not too late to return to a righteous rhythm of life. Do not allow the hypocrisies of others to become an excuse for your inconsistent living. Jesus Christ is the standard bearer for righteousness. So make Him the goal for goodness.
Constant meals of grace are merited for a hungry heart and a thirsty soul. So take time to take in His hearty meat of forgiveness and to drink His delicious love. His banquet table of peace, joy, holiness, wisdom, faith, hope, and happiness satisfies to the uttermost. A life filled with the righteousness of God has no room for other meaningless morsels. It is full.
“You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy” (Hebrews 1:9).
Prayer
Dear Lord, ignite my heart by Your love to burn brightly for You, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
Is my heart hungry for Jesus and Jesus alone? Am I in pursuit of righteousness?
Related Reading
Psalm 11:7; Psalm 106:3; Matthew 5:20; 1 Timothy 6:11; Hebrews 10:38
Taken from Seeking Daily the Heart of God v.2
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Happiness results as we pursue righteousness with a passion. #WisdomHunters #passion
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