‘God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice for they will be satisfied.’ Matthew 5:6(NLT)
‘Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord ? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts.’ Psalms 15:1-2(NLT)
‘O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory. Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you! I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer.’ Psalms 63:1-4(NLT)
‘And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.’ Philippians 1:6(NLT)
‘Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. ‘ Philippians 2:12(NLT)
‘The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living. Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair. They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb. They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them. How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults. Keep your servant from deliberate sins! Don’t let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin.’ Psalms 19:7-13(NLT)
‘Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord . Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths. You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully. Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees! Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands.’ Psalms 119:1-6(NLT)
‘Teach me your decrees, O Lord ; I will keep them to the end. Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart. Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found. Give me an eagerness for your laws rather than a love for money! Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word. Reassure me of your promise, made to those who fear you. Help me abandon my shameful ways; for your regulations are good. I long to obey your commandments! Renew my life with your goodness.’ Psalms 119:33-40(NLT)
QUIET MOMENT
Ask the Lord to cause you to hunger after Him more and more each day. Allow God’s Word to transform your unrighteousness into righteousness.
GOING DEEPER
What do you hunger and thirst after? Do you wake up in the morning starving for your time alone with Him? Do you feel an ache or a longing until you can again spend time with Him in the evening before you go to bed? Do you crave righteousness and despise your sinful actions and thoughts? Are you constantly working towards holiness? Do you believe that righteousness is possible? Do you believe that the Lord can really change you from the inside out? Do you believe that He can cause you to hunger and thirst after Him more than anything in this world?
Listen to the words of David in Psalm 15:1-2 and Psalm 63:1-4. He understands righteousness. He hungers and thirsts after God. He knows the blessing and the fullness for those who seek Him with their all, not just in a casual way.
Read Philippians 1:6. God is the one who holds the power in His hands to transform our hearts and cause us to hunger and thirst for Him, and in Christ He has promised us that He will do it. And we are to use this power that He has made available to us and the tools that He has given to us to live out the Christian life. Read Philippians 2:12.
Where we fix our eyes, where we invest our time and efforts, and where we look for help greatly impacts who we are and what we do. Read Psalm 119:1-6, Psalm 19:7-13, Psalm 119:33-35, and Psalm 119:37-38, 40. What do you see in these passages about the psalmist’s thought life and focus? Can you hear his longing and cry for God’s Word, God’s way, and God’s heart?
REFLECTION AND PRAYER
Confess your cravings. Ask the Lord to intensify your desire for Him and His righteousness. And then ask Him to satisfy that desire.
TAKING THE TRUTH TO HEART AND BRINGING IT TO LIFE
Choose one truth from today and apply it to your heart. Take it with you throughout the day.
from Jesus, I Need You Part 7