By Larry Stover 

Have you ever been Thirsty; I mean really thirsty? Nothing satisfies like a can of Coke or Pepsi. Personally I’d rather have water or a big glass of homemade lemonade.

I’ve gone into a restaurant and asked if they could just leave a pitcher of water on the table because I was very thirsty.  After filling my water glass several times, they either get another glass for me or keep an eye on the water levels and keep the refills coming.  When you are thirsty, really thirsty, it is hard to get satisfied with a small cup, when you really want a 32 ounce glass.

Jesus addressed the needs of those who are hungry and thirsty in the “Sermon on the Mount.” Matthew 5:6 tells us; “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they will be filled.”

People who don’t put their heart and soul into their relationship with Jesus Christ probably don’t understand what it means to thirst for righteousness.

For those of us who want to be all that God has for us, who strive to do his will on  a daily basis, who crave the presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives; and, who want to reflect Jesus Christ in all they do, will always be thirsting for righteousness.

I have a barometer for examining my relationship with Jesus. I ask myself and others some very important questions. Mainly, “Am I closer to Jesus Christ than I was a year ago? Do people see that I am reflecting the value system that Jesus Christ taught when he was on this earth. Do people talk with me about my relationship with the Lord?” And finally, “Am I growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ on a regular basis?”

As I see it, too many believers are satisfied by doing good works or having good intentions, but these fall short of true Kingdom living. There is something missing when we try to do things on our own for God. It’s a desire for more of the righteousness of God.

As I continue to pray for Valley Grande, Selma, and all of Dallas County, I keep asking God to give the Christians of the area a greater desire for the righteousness of God.  I pray that we would thirst for it until we saw our relationship with Jesus Christ improve on a daily basis.

For those praying for a revival among Christians, I encourage you to pray that the Holy Spirit would impress it upon the minds of every believer to thirst for more of God.

How bad do you want to have spiritual satisfaction?  As you find time to be alone with Jesus Christ, begin thirsting for more of His presence, more of His grace, and more of his wisdom.