HUNGER AND THIRST
SCRIPTURE
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
—Matthew 5:6
Many of us live in a culture that doesn't understand thirst. So many of us have known only the kind of periodic hunger that can be immediately sated, rather than the kind of gnawing, painful hunger that persists because there is literally no food. Many of us carry bottled water and snacks with us everywhere, or we are usually capable of getting food and water whenever we need or want it. But what about a hunger and thirst for all that God wants us to know and do? How do we recognize that kind of hunger? We have trouble addressing what we don't experience.
Reconnecting with what Jesus did for us is why we take this journey to the cross. This careful review reminds us that Jesus didn't just save us; he continues to fill us. We become even more hungry and thirsty for God's Word and his Spirit of truth. When we stay hungry and thirsty for God, we will be invited to a need-meeting oasis where God shares a truth or makes his presence known. When he does, it only makes us hunger and thirst for more, and that becomes our motivation for growth.
Without a gnawing hunger and eager thirst, we revert to try-harder growth techniques that will eventually fail because they come from misunderstandings about where growth originates. Jesus calls us to follow him. It is a call to grow into the person God knows we can be. Follow his nudges--especially the ones that come from his Word. Then you will always hunger and thirst for more.
BURNING QUESTIONS
1. How can you recognize your hunger and thirst for God today?
2. How will you identify and make time for God's oasis for you today?
AFFIRMATION
God fills the hungry with good things.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
Helpful Lord, I need your help to recognize my hunger and thirst for you before you can meet that need.
SCRIPTURE
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
—Matthew 5:6
Many of us live in a culture that doesn't understand thirst. So many of us have known only the kind of periodic hunger that can be immediately sated, rather than the kind of gnawing, painful hunger that persists because there is literally no food. Many of us carry bottled water and snacks with us everywhere, or we are usually capable of getting food and water whenever we need or want it. But what about a hunger and thirst for all that God wants us to know and do? How do we recognize that kind of hunger? We have trouble addressing what we don't experience.
Reconnecting with what Jesus did for us is why we take this journey to the cross. This careful review reminds us that Jesus didn't just save us; he continues to fill us. We become even more hungry and thirsty for God's Word and his Spirit of truth. When we stay hungry and thirsty for God, we will be invited to a need-meeting oasis where God shares a truth or makes his presence known. When he does, it only makes us hunger and thirst for more, and that becomes our motivation for growth.
Without a gnawing hunger and eager thirst, we revert to try-harder growth techniques that will eventually fail because they come from misunderstandings about where growth originates. Jesus calls us to follow him. It is a call to grow into the person God knows we can be. Follow his nudges--especially the ones that come from his Word. Then you will always hunger and thirst for more.
BURNING QUESTIONS
1. How can you recognize your hunger and thirst for God today?
2. How will you identify and make time for God's oasis for you today?
AFFIRMATION
God fills the hungry with good things.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
Helpful Lord, I need your help to recognize my hunger and thirst for you before you can meet that need.
Posted in Lent