R&R

R&R

0:00

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

“Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name,” Psalm 86‬:‭11‬, NIV‬‬.

R&R usually means “rest and relaxation,” but today it will mean righteousness & righteous.

I just read Matthew 5:6, as if I was reading it for the first time. The word righteousness jumped off the page.

“What does it mean to seek righteousness?”

“What’s the difference between righteousness and righteous?

I believe that righteousness is all about seeking how to know, understand and emulate God’s character.

In doing so, we will be filled.

What does it mean “to be filled?”

Again, I believe it means to have peace, God’s peace. For being filled means one’s “appetite” is suppressed, and one’s need is satisfied. One is content. A peace that surpasses spa testaments, alcohol and drugs. A peace that’s literally indescribable. To be filled is to have the craving taken away.

So, my question for myself was—“Do I hunger for this peace that comes from God?” Do I want to experience God’s character in such a way that it changes me and my lifestyle?

Or do I just desire to be righteous? And what’s the difference?

I think one can be a righteous person without ever knowing God’s righteousness. This person might know information about who God is, without ever adding humility to it. Knowledge about God without being humbled by said knowledge, can create self-righteous praise. Praise that mimics or is just routinely done without any heart or conviction for who God is; and it might create a prideful heart, and a worthless noise. I Corinthians 13:1-3.

I had many days of “worshipping” while thinking, “Am I in tune? I don’t really like this song. This song would be perfect for so-and-so, they really need to hear it.” As the last notes were being played.

No wonder my worship fell flat! I wasn’t thinking about the righteousness of God at all! Who He is! What He has done! What He’s doing in my life to change my sinful selfish character into His good and holy one!

All I was doing was letting my mind drift with futile thoughts.

You who are reading this, I hope your worship for God is earnest.

Father,

I can’t even ask those who are reading this, “How about you?”

For that’s Your job to teach and lead us into Your righteousness. If I try, they miss out on You. Try our hearts oh, God, and reveal that which we need to be aware of as we pursue You.

“Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name,” Psalm‬ ‭86‬:‭11‬, NIV‬‬.

Teach us to praise You because of who You are—truly our righteousness filled with power, glory, hope, love, kindness, and so much more.

We surrender our day, our way and our righteous behavior to You.

Amen.