This week’s blog addition was inspired by the message my friend Marc Nuss brought to us this Sunday past. What a message full of passion and personal testimony that I believe encouraged, challenged and inspired many and, as you read this, will do to you as well.
In a world filled with short-term desires and momentary pleasures, a hunger transcends the temporal — the hunger for a deep, meaningful relationship with God.
Luke 6:21 reminds us, “Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied,” in Matthew 5:6, we are assured, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” These verses illuminate the profound benefits of cultivating a spiritual appetite and connecting with the divine.
1. Inner Fulfilment:
Luke 6:21 – “Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied.”
In pursuing material wealth and worldly success, it’s easy to overlook the longing within our souls. Luke 6:21 beckons us to acknowledge this hunger and promises satisfaction. A relationship with God provides a profound sense of inner fulfilment that transcends the temporary nature of external achievements. It is a satisfaction that goes beyond the surface, permeating every aspect of our being.
2. Spiritual Nourishment:
Matthew 5:6 – “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”
Just as our bodies crave sustenance, our spirits yearn for righteousness. Matthew 5:6 invites us to recognise this thirst and promises that those who seek God will be filled. Developing a hunger for a relationship with God acts as spiritual nourishment, sustaining us through life’s challenges and quenching the deeper longings of our souls.
3. Guidance and Direction:
Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
A hunger for a relationship with God opens the door to supernatural guidance. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to trust in the Lord completely, assuring us that, in doing so, our paths will be made straight. Through prayer, reflection, and communion with God, we gain clarity and direction, confidently navigating life’s twists and turns.
4. Emotional Resilience:
Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
A hunger for a relationship with God becomes a source of emotional resilience. It releases peace in your life and the environment around you. In times of anxiety and uncertainty, Philippians 4:6-7 assures us that turning to God in prayer brings peace that surpasses ALL understanding. This emotional stability allows us to face challenges with faith, hope, courage and peace.
In Conclusion:
Luke 6:21 and Matthew 5:6 beckon us to embrace the profound benefits of developing a hunger for a relationship with God. The inner fulfilment, spiritual nourishment, guidance, and emotional resilience gained through this connection offer a transformative and enduring source of strength.
In pursuing this divine hunger, we discover a satisfaction that transcends the temporal and a fulfilment that satisfies the deepest longing of our souls. We begin to think like, act like and become more like our creator and whom He desired us to become.
May the Holy Spirit stir up a hunger in you, may you feed yourself the Word of God, creating and stirring that hunger. May you pray in the Holy Spirit, nurturing that hunger all the days of your life.
Blessings
Shaun Smit
This blog was inspired by Marc Nuss’ message at Faith Legacy Believers Church on the 12th of November, 2023. You can view the message below.
Thank you so much Pastor Shaun
for not only preaching Gods Written Word but also teaching us and encouraging us to read our Bibles to hunger for a relationship with God. I am learning to hunger for The Lord and seek to know more about Him, and as He reveals more of Himself to me my thirst for Him is increasing” God stir in my heart a desire for You. You said those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled.” I am so Blessed to be attending FLBC
where I am part of a connect group, prayer meeting ladies meetings and volunteering in children’s church. Proverbs 2:20 says “Follow the steps of the good, and stay on the paths of the righteous”.
God Bless FLBC, our pastors, leadership team, worship team, kid’s church and FLBC family
In Jesus Name I pray 🙏
AMEN 🍃🙏🍃🕊️🍃💙🍃