Quenchable Thirst

I have recently been reminded of the Beatitudes in Matthew 5. It has been some time since I've read through them. My parents' church has been working through the beatitudes lately. For some reason the things my Mom has shared with me just haven't been connecting with me.

This past weekend, we had my parent's pastor stay the night at our place. It was a time of encouragement, challenging us and, as he always does with people, he pointed us closer to Jesus.

The beatitudes came up in our conversation. This time, one of them connected with me!

Matthew 5:6
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they will be filled."

That is what I have been experiencing lately. My emptiness, my thirst, my feeling like I might explode inside - it has been (and is continuing to be) filled.

I am really noticing too that a daily "refueling" is necessary. On the days when I don't read my Bible, journal, pray, when I don't spend time with God, I begin to feel empty again. A couple years ago, I would get to this point, feel incredible guilt about not connecting with God and would talk myself out of spending time with Him (my confession list will be too long, where would I start?...). Such lies! Satan is so subtle.

But no more! Somewhere in my heart the door has been closed on those lies. They aren't welcome anymore. I know that if I have a period of time in between dates with God, it's okay. He is waiting for me with open arms. And all those times before when I thought I couldn't go back to God, His open arms were waiting for me.

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they will be filled." Oh that is such a wonderful promise, such comfort and encouragement to carry on!