Matthew 5:1-2 (NIRV)
Jesus saw the crowds. So he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him. Then he began to teach them.
Matthew 5:6 (ESV)
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”
Explanation:
The scripture above is the start of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. He sits down to teach His disciples and the crowd how to live a life following God. Verses 3-12 are called the Beatitudes. The Latin phrase for beatitude is “beatus” which means blessed, happy. It’s not just the feeling of being happy, but also being content, satisfied, and longing for a relationship with God.
When we are outside on a hot summer day all we want is a cold drink of water to satisfy our thirst. Our body needs it and desires it. The same is true for our soul. The only thing that can satisfy it and make us feel whole is a relationship with God. We can try and fill our life with things that make us happy, but eventually they will fail us. Having a relationship with God by spending time in His word, praying, and worshipping Him will truly satisfy you.
By putting God first and talking to Him before anything changes in your day, you are inviting Him in and saying, “Whatever you would like for my day, God!” You might still have your to-do list in your head, but you can ask Him to be a part of it. There might be times where He says, “I don’t want you to do that,” or throw a wrench in your plans. You might want to quickly run to the grocery store, but you see someone that just needs to talk. When you give your time to God, it makes your mind say, “It’s Your will, God, not mine.”
Application:
Ask God to show you the areas in your life that you need Him.
What are some things you are striving after that keep failing, that ONLY God can fill?
Take some time today with God by listening to a worship song, sitting quietly with Him, or reading more of our passage in Matthew 5:1-16.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, You are the only one who can satisfy my soul. You never change. You are the same yesterday, today, and forever. Help to remember that when I’m struggling today or feeling lost. Remind me that You want to be in the good times, too. Thank You for loving me and always wanting to be in relationship with me, and help me to want to do the same. In Jesus name I pray! Amen.