Hungering and Thirsting

Matthew 5:6
Blessed are they which hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they SHALL be FILLED!


I am learning the depth of this scripture this week.
Scripture clearly says "when" we fast (notice, not "if")...and it gives us instructions. (Matthew 6:16)
Clearly, God meant for us to take time out of our busy schedules to make Him priority. It's too hard sometimes with all the "junk" in front of us...too hard to hear from Him. Too hard to sense Him. Fasting is not an easy obedience to God, but such a rewarding one. I am glad that God saw fit to introduce me to the benefits of it. Getting those "things" which typically stand in the way of me hearing from God out of my way in this week-has freed me up to really "be filled."

As I have been studying the book of James, I find that it parallels Matthew quite a bit. There are so many ways that God reiterates to us important truths so that we can "hide them in our hearts" all the better. He's cool like that.

I have quite enjoyed the quiet of "no tv and no internet" this week thus far...it has given me time to not only hear from God, but to have the peace to "listen" as I hear. So many people hear, but do not listen. I can hear you all day...but if I'm not paying close attention to the details of what you are saying...you are wasting your breath. I wonder how many times God feels that He is wasting His precious time trying to speak to us, as we claim to be trying to "hear from Him"...all the while, not really listening. You know...the quiet meditation before the Lord. The special moments of just waiting on Him to lay a certain thing/s upon your heart and mind. All too often, I have been guilty of placing something that's not really good for me into my mouth to consume, instead of hungering and thirsting for righteousness. I have been guilty of taking in with my eyes, the sin-laden offers that the world has for me, instead of turning my eyes upon The ONE that gave me the eyes to start with. I take too much thought for "today" (when He says do NOT do that!) UGH. I don't know about anybody else, but I get really aggrivated at my flesh quite a bit!!!
Oh, how I've missed Him too often, by my selfishness!
This week has been a refreshment!
I am getting not just more physical rest by having fasted, but spiritual rest. What a needed antidote to a chaotic and a frenzied life! I have been experiencing it drawing me closer not just to my Lord...but also to our kids, and to my husband. Ahhh...and it feels so nice. I do believe it has given me a newer appreciation for them. I am viewing them with a more endearing and loving set of eyes. Would I have reached this without the act of obedience toward Christ this week in laying aside all the distractions of our typical normal life? Not too likely.
It's all about submission. I think I sometimes put off obedience, out of fear that God will make some "changes" that I'm not ready to take on...when in fact, the changes He's wanting to make, would always make my life so much better and happier. Why do I do that-as a Christian? Have I said that I'm sick of myself? Ugh...
THANK YOU GOD, that your mercies are new...each and every day. Thank You, for putting up with me.

Matthew 7:7 & 8 says:
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh, findeth; and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened.

Wow. The DEPTH of that verse, in relation to Matt. 5:6.
I don't think that enough people truly get that to the fullest extent. It is not saying to ask for whatever my heart's desire is. Maybe my heart's desire is for something will really "hurt" me, or just not what's best for me...because I"am" made of flesh, after all.
If I ask, according to His will for me (and the only way to know that is to study His Word)...then Matthew 7:7 & 8 will be a huge blessing. I SHALL be FILLED. Didn't say I "might" get filled or that if I hold my mouth right, it will come. What a great promise -I SHALL be filled if I fully desire His righteousness! COOL. I'm about it.
I want to be serious in being about My Father's business. I WANT to Follow The Leader. What an awesome role-model to immulate. What an idiot, if I chose otherwise!
I am so looking forward to His personal, intimate one-on-one time, and His direction that He has soley for me-through me seeking Him out.
I am finding that yes indeedy...I have long too long been putting too much trust into "man" to direct my paths and lead me in the right way...that's GOD's place, and His alone. Taking in what "man" says and thinking that this is enough... is most certainly NOT enough. I don't think God ever intended for us to be so shallow and blinded. No wonder so many folks are walking around deceived! We have not been actively perking our ears to His heavenly calls to teach us, HIMSELF!

This journey is becoming more scenic than I first anticipated!!!

What a Phenominal Teacher.

What a Faithful Friend.

What a GIVER.

What a Filler.

I'm not about Simon Says...I'm about Following THE Leader. It's not a game- it's a splendid journey!