Re-Center Around God
Matthew 5:6
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled. ~ Jesus
Have you ever stood with your refrigerator open, knowing you're hungry for something, but nothing appeals to you? Today we pause to put a finger on what we hunger for to satisfy us internally:
Review
For what do you most hunger and thirst? Peace and quiet? the absence of quiet? For what do you yearn for due to its absence or lack in your life? What do you desire -- not in terms of food – but in terms of happiness? Are there things that initially satisfy but leave you empty later? What does bring satisfaction?
Repent if Necessary
Share with God where you sense a lack of hunger toward Him because you have been appeasing your appetite through other arenas, things, or people.
Return (as necessary)
Ask God for a heart of hunger and thirst toward Him that cannot be satisfied by lesser things. Don't merely try to eliminate things you shouldn't be engaging in, but consider ways to continue to slake your thirst for things with God, to whet your appetite for things using God; come, taste and see that the Lord is good.
Psalm 119: Immersed in the Word of God
Micro-Meditation
Psalm 119:81-88 11th letter: Kaph (כ)
- My soul faints with longing for your salvation,
but I have put my hope in your word. - My eyes fail, looking for your promise;
I say, “When will you comfort me?” - Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke,
I do not forget your decrees. - How long must your servant wait?
When will you punish my persecutors? - The arrogant dig pits to trap me,
contrary to your law. - All your commands are trustworthy;
help me, for I am being persecuted without cause. - They almost wiped me from the earth,
but I have not forsaken your precepts. - In your unfailing love preserve my life,
that I may obey the statutes of your mouth.
Read the verses of the Psalm.
Mark the words or phrases that catch your attention.
Meditate: talk (or better, write) with God about those words. Ask him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect responses.
Teaching or Command of God
Matthew 6:33-34
Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
The Promise
Matthew 5:11
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil of evil against you because of me.
Pondering Point
In the spirit of Thursday’s self-evaluation, ask God if you’ve set up a pit for someone else – or are secretly hoping that someone you dislike falls into one? If anyone comes to mind, pray that God changes your heart toward those individuals or groups of people.