Filling Your Heart with God's Blessings: Thirsting for Righteousness
In the hustle and bustle of life, where do you turn to satisfy your deepest desires and longings? What truly fills your heart and soul with lasting fulfillment? These questions are central to our spiritual journey, and in Matthew 5:6, Jesus offers us profound insights into the pursuit of righteousness.
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled." The word "blessed" here carries a profound meaning; it signifies having the favor of God upon you. It doesn't guarantee a life free from challenges or eternal happiness, but it does promise something much deeper and enduring.
In our relentless pursuit of happiness, we often chase after material possessions, success, and various pleasures. Yet, we discover that these pursuits leave us empty, much like the fleeting satisfaction of a delicious meal that leaves you hungry again in a few hours. The world's offerings, like perishable food, fail to bring lasting contentment.
Happiness and joy are distinct. Happiness is an outward expression, often temporary, tied to external circumstances. Joy, on the other hand, is an inner feeling, enduring hardships, and connecting with deeper meaning and purpose. We may pursue happiness, but we choose joy. Joy can coexist with sadness, fear, and even unhappiness. It doesn't require a constant smile, unlike happiness, which fades in darkness and adversity.
So, what does it mean to hunger and thirst for righteousness? It's an appetite for living rightly, in alignment with God's standards. It's not just a feeling; it's a choice to practice our positional righteousness – the righteousness imputed to us by God through faith in Jesus.
Positional righteousness, received by God's grace, is a gift that assures us of our standing in Christ. It's not earned but given, and it guarantees our place in God's family. We are righteous because we are in Christ, and Christ is in us.
But righteousness isn't merely positional; it's also practical. We're called to live out our faith through righteous living, to walk in a manner worthy of our calling. This practical righteousness is essential for our well-being and society's health, as it establishes right standards and their consistent application.
God, through the Holy Spirit, fills us with righteousness and abundance when we hunger and thirst for it. Just as Jesus miraculously filled empty jars with wine and fed multitudes with a few loaves and fish, He wants to fill our lives with His best. To be filled, we must first empty ourselves of worldly distractions and self-centered pursuits. Seek first God's kingdom and His righteousness, and you'll experience the profound blessings Jesus promises.