Hunger and Thirst

If God is always there for us & always wants to spend time with us, then WE are the ones that need to be constantly hungrier & thirstier for Him.

Hunger and Thirst

This week's devotions are written by my son, Bryant Forshee, Lead Student Pastor for Cross Church, Springdale, AR campus.

- Pastor Danny

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled."

(Matthew 5:6, CSB)

Living in America, I don't think we really "hunger and thirst" very often. I know I have been quick to say, "I AM STARVING!" when it has only been about 5-6 hours since I had my last meal, and I may have even had a snack in the middle of that time frame. From a physical standpoint, it is very challenging for me to think of a time that I truly hungered and thirsted. Upon thinking about this in light of Matthew 5:6, I had a realization that I will explain later in this devo.

When I read the beatitude, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled," my mind immediately goes to personal time with Jesus. It is amazing and incredible to think that when we hunger and thirst after Jesus, He will give us more of Himself. It is amazing and incredible to think that we have access to God, because of Jesus, at any point in the day. It is amazing and incredible to think that we have the Holy Spirit of God living inside of us bringing truth to life in our hearts, convicting us of sin, and driving us closer and closer to Jesus. I have also found it to be true that I do NOT hunger and thirst for righteousness as much as I should.

If God is always there for us, and is always wanting to spend time with us, then WE are the ones that need to be constantly hungrier and thirstier for more of Jesus. Here is the realization that I had upon understanding that I have never experienced much physical hunger and thirst: I am (thankfully) always full. Now, the reason that I am full is because of the parameters that I have put in place around myself to be full: food in the pantry, snacks at work, water to drink, keys that will operate a car to get fast food or go to a restaurant, a wife that takes care of me and cooks meals. These are just a few ways for me not to constantly be hungry and thirsty, but ways for me to constantly be filled.

We have that same access to God! When our souls feel hungry and thirsty, we should remember:

We have a Heavenly father who loves to give good gifts to His children.
We have a Heavenly Father who has given us His words written down in the Bible for when we need some sustenance for our day.
We have a Heavenly Father who looks down upon us and sees us as His children.
We have a Heavenly Father who always fills us!

For you today, how much are you hungering and thirsting for God to fill you? How often in the day are you seeking after Him and seeking after His wisdom, guidance, and direction? How often are you going to the Way, the Truth, and the Life to fill you and satisfy you throughout your day?

APPLICATION: