Are You Hungry?

Matthew 5:1-6 (ESV)

Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”

What Are You Hungry For?

Hunger is a powerful force. When our bodies crave food, it becomes nearly impossible to focus on anything else. We’ve all felt those pangs of hunger that drive us to seek out nourishment. But Jesus, in His Sermon on the Mount, speaks of a different kind of hunger—one that is far deeper than physical appetite. He speaks of a hunger and thirst for righteousness, a longing for the things of God, a desire for a life that reflects His goodness and truth.

A Deeper Longing

Jesus isn't just talking about a passing interest in righteousness. He speaks of an intense craving, a need as essential as food and water. This hunger is not for personal gain, approval, or self-righteousness, but for a true, deep connection with God and His will. It is the kind of hunger that propels us forward, shaping our decisions, our relationships, and our purpose.

Think about the last time you were really hungry—so hungry that all you could think about was getting something to eat. Now imagine if that same intensity was directed toward seeking God. How would our lives change if we desired His presence, His justice, and His ways as much as we desire food when we are starving?

The Promise of Satisfaction

The world offers temporary fixes for our hunger—wealth, success, pleasure, and approval—but none of these truly satisfy. They may fill us for a moment, but they leave us empty again, longing for more. Jesus promises something different: those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be satisfied. Not might be or could be—but will be.

This satisfaction doesn’t mean an easy life, but it does mean a fulfilled one. It means knowing that our pursuit of God is never in vain. He is faithful to respond to those who earnestly seek Him. The more we hunger for Him, the more He fills us with His presence, His peace, and His purpose.

Are You Hungry?

The question Jesus asks through this verse is simple: What are you hungry for? Are you craving the temporary, fleeting things of this world, or are you longing for something deeper? If your heart is aching for meaning, justice, peace, and the presence of God, He promises to fill you.

If you find yourself spiritually hungry today, don’t ignore it. Lean into that hunger. Seek God through His Word, through prayer, through worship, and through serving others. He is ready to satisfy your soul with something far greater than anything this world could ever offer.

So, are you hungry?