We have now entered the season of Lent. For many Christians, Lent is taken as a time of preparation for the celebration of Easter where God miraculously redeemed mankind by resurrecting His Son from the dead. It is also a time to consider what Jesus said and did; and how we should be living in light of His Words. ✞ ♥
During this season, here on the Seeking Him devotional blog, we have chosen to focus our devotionals on Jesus’ instructions and admonition communicated in Matthew chapter 5—the Beatitudes. Jesus said, “Blessed are…” and He went on to give instruction as to how to be “blessed.” To be ‘blessed’ is to ‘be happy, or to be envied.’ Truly for the Christian, we ARE blessed—oh, how very blessed we are! Those who observe our lives should clearly be able to tell that we ARE blessed—and that we KNOW it! ✞ ♥
Please consider Jesus’ instructions along with us. We pray that our words will encourage you and spur you on to be prepare your hearts for the joyous celebration of His Resurrection! ✞ ♥
God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice,
for they will be satisfied.
Matthew 5:6
Every year for the past eleven years I have filled out a survey at my children’s annual physical checkup. From ages 2-6, I am required to ask them the question, “What do you do when you’re hungry?” Of course they respond with “Eat,” or “Ask for food,” things such as that. I’ve always wondered why this question is asked…why such a common inquiry is made; even small children know what to do and how to respond. But there must be a reason that each year we are reminded to quiz our children on such a simple thing, something we see as common and natural.
When I read this Scripture, I thought of this scenario. We know we’re supposed to seek God and do as He commands and instructs; doing this leads to righteousness. In a sense it is biblical common sense. We hunger for God’s Word and for His guidance and love. and when we hunger, when we strive, we find righteousness. Just as the pediatrician reminds us to look closely at common things, so does Christ. Sometimes we become so engulfed in our life that we forget to consciously thirst for Christ and to be hungry for His word, His direction. So He has given us reminders, such as these verses, to look at and to remind us. This is more than an answer on a piece of paper. It is a reminder that when we seek Him and when we thirst for him, He will fill us. When we seek…we will find. When we thirst…we will be filled. Common sense, yes; but the reminders are much needed, much desired.
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
Matthew 7:7
He has filled the hungry with good things,
And the rich He has sent away empty
Luke 1:53
Let’s Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father, there are times we forget common things, like what to do when we’re hungry. Like the pediatrician, You remind us of what we sometimes forget to see—that our thirst for You will lead to righteousness and that we will be filled when we hunger and thirst for Your Word. Lord, remind us to seek You daily. And to thirst for You always. Increase our desire to be filled, so that we will not forget the common things, so that we will not forget to seek, and ask, to find and to hunger. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.