Blessed Are Those That Hunger And Thirst for Righteousness

After participating in a marathon, runners typically crave fluids like water and cold sports drinks due to sweat loss and the energy expended during the race.
This is the type of desire that Jesus had in mind when He said in Matthew 5:6, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled."

The phrases "hunger and thirst" convey an intense craving, desire, passion, or yearning for something. Fortunately, we don't have to guess what that "something" is. We also don’t need to sugarcoat it or add a pious religious shine to the subject. Jesus clearly identifies "righteousness" as the focal point of our appetite.

The English word for righteousness derives from the Greek word "dikaiosýnē," which means an inner integrity and a commitment to do what is "right" in God's sight. Ultimately, it refers to whatever is approved and accepted by God.

To put this into perspective, think about your own appetite. What do you crave and ultimately consume? If you find yourself unhealthy or not in your ideal shape, your appetite is likely out of balance. When your appetite is out of sync, you may feel unwell in various aspects of your life. The same principle applies to your relationship with God. When you have a persistent craving for sin, your soul becomes unhealthy, and every area of your life can feel the impact.

To assess your appetite, ask yourself: How do I react to disappointments, difficulties, and interpersonal drama? Do my responses reflect the teachings of Christ or the values of the world? Am I demonstrating humility, or does pride govern me? Additionally, are negative, lustful, or greedy thoughts dominating my mind? If so, it's time to address my spiritual appetite.

The opposite is also true. If I desire to pray, read Scripture, attend church, grow in my faith, and serve, then that indicates I have a spiritually healthy appetite.
What I have found is that when my appetite is healthy before God, my attitude reflects Christ, sin is not acceptable, my availability belongs to God first, and my abilities are enhanced.  

Thus, seeking and desiring what is right before God is not a waste. Remember, Jesus tells us that the blessing of satisfaction awaits those who have and fulfill the right appetite. Many of us have experienced having everything we "thought" we wanted, but still felt unfulfilled. Why is that? We had the wrong appetite. We don’t have an accumulation problem; we have an appetite problem. We don’t have an adversity issue; we have an appetite issue.  

The blessing of satisfaction, in the form of peace, happiness, joy, faith, and strength, is waiting for those who hunger and thirst after righteousness.