A Hunger That Satisfies
Blessed are Those Who Hunger for Righteousness
Once we have been emptied of our pride and our self-will, a new kind of desire begins to grow. Jesus describes it as a “hunger and thirst for righteousness”.
This isn’t a casual interest in being a “good person.” It is the intense, driving desire of a starving person for food. When we are “poor in spirit,” we realize we are empty; when we “hunger for righteousness,” we are looking for the only thing that can truly fill us: a right relationship with God and a life that reflects His character.
The paradox of this Beatitude is that the hunger itself is part of the blessing. There is a “holy dissatisfaction” in the life of a believer—a recognition that there is always more of God to know and more justice to seek. The world offers many things that provide temporary “snacks” for our souls, but only those who seek God’s righteousness find the deep satisfaction that lasts.
A hunger for righteousness reminds me of Solomon’s words, “he has set eternity in the hearts of men.” I define eternity as ALL God created; all God is; all God does, in all time, for all of His creation.
I also thought of “none is righteous; no not one.” Only God is righteous.
So, this hunger and thirst is for GOD, for as Solomon wrote, earthly stuff/work/relationships are not eternal, but God is. Therefore, it seems we are created with a need for God, I think.
Do those fit together, Brother Bill?