When You Were Young

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied – Matthew 5:6

Today we continue our study of the monumental teachings of Jesus. Perhaps there are no greater lessons than His nine Beatitudes. These teachings are upside down from what we expect. Today we find one of my favorites and a blessing that cuts to the core of how we are to proceed in this world – hungry.

No spiritual step in our journey of faith is wasted. Every act, no matter how small is to be rewarded in the economy of God. Jesus promises this here in His famous sermon. When we long for Him, we will never be denied. It is the daily grind of life that robs us of our zeal. It takes tremendous discipline to hunger for more of God when you are surrounded with the temporary restraints and passions of this life.

Do you remember how life was when you first believed in Jesus? Can you articulate the feeling when His ridiculous grace was lavished upon you for the first time?

It is often in these moments we find a true thirst for Him. We are too foolish to be hindered by the cares of this world in these early moments of salvation. But with the passing of time, we find ourselves brought back to the demands of this life. Our hunger and thirst is denied while spiritually we starve. It becomes more about commitment than celebration. We question our once fervent dedication and give into the doubts that surround us. Few of us are ever able to maintain that passion for Jesus throughout our lives.

It is here where saints are made; carved out of the current of an ever ending call to settle. We must find those sparks of His grace that give us life; that nourish us. The Lord has wired our souls in unique ways. In this, we all have those activities that bring us back to the great Shepherd. The more we know ourselves, the more we can plunge into the depths of His great mercy.

Lord, reveal to us those things that bring us closer to you. Reignite our passion for you. May our hunger and thirst return as we long for more of your character. Bring back the salvation of our youth as we cling to you. Protect us from the things that harm our faith and passion.