#TheThirst

By: Fred Reid

So, often this is the phrase or trending topic on twitter used to describe someone pressed for something usually to the point that they are embarrassing themselves. But as you may have guessed by this point the devotional is a different perspective to the phrase based on the scripture Matt. 5:6

“blessed are they that do hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be filled”

As the long time church going folks we are I know we’ve heard this before, but it became a lil clearer to me recently so let’s break it down. According to this scripture we will be blessed just from the fact that we are thirsty! Just wanting righteousness will make us blessed…but why? There is seemingly nothing inherently good about being thirsty, if you aren’t sure then go exercise for a good 45 mins to an hour and see if you feel blessed. The blessing comes in the desire for that that you thirst for. In the example its, water. You’d do just about anything to get that water, you’d get some of someone else’s water if they offered (but that’s kinda nasty lol).

Point is, the blessing of thirsting for righteousness is the desire and motivation that comes for the pursuit of righteousness. You will literally CRAVE righteousness. When you aren’t on the quest for righteousness you’ll fill incomplete. Think how you feel when you haven’t eaten in a while. Literally empty, and you SEEK out food. It is this thirst and hunger that will cause you to be blessed because you will seek out more of God. Righteousness and holiness have become somewhat vague words that have been elevated to an unattainable level; but both words are just characteristics of God. You CANT be them on your own. The same hanging out with me makes y'all talk like me (hehehe) hanging out with God will cause you to be holy and righteous. I don’t know how it happens but God will give you a seemingly insatiable desire for more of Him. When you are going the wrong way you will still be blessed because you will be PULLED to Him by your thirst and hunger. Best part of it all is that the bible says that YOU SHALL BE FILLED! Your job is the thirst and His part is to fill you. Great set up right?

Short Version: The thirst and hunger you have for God will bless you because it will never go away. It will be your motivation to pursue Him despite ANYTHING else.

Stay thirsty my friends J