The Righteousness of God
Daily Rays of Hope #138
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. - Matthew 5:6 NIV
By faith, we believe that the righteousness of God brings peace and fulfillment. When we walk with God and choose to believe that his righteousness is above our own and is the cornerstone of what makes us worthy, we can begin to go forth without fear of being unqualified and unworthy.
It is the righteousness of God that covers us, not our own righteousness and not our own goodness. Isaiah 64:6 states:
All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away. - Isaiah 64:6 NIV
Because our righteousness is as filthy rags, we can turn to God and honestly seek out his righteousness as our peace and our guide. To hunger and thirst for righteousness is to hunger and thirst for God's spirit, his heart, and his nature.
The righteousness of God is the inherent justice, holiness, faithfulness, and love of our God. Hungering and thirsting for this righteousness is what separates those who merely say they want God and those who earnestly seek him and His Divine identity.
There is a difference between knowing of God and earnestly desiring to have a deep and intimate relationship with God. May the hunger and thirst that you have for God increase and deepen ever the more. Through prayer, fasting, and worship, may your desire to be in His presence and receive the righteousness of God be fulfilled.
1. Pursue God Daily Through the Word
To hunger and thirst for righteousness means desiring more of God’s heart and His ways. The Word of God reveals His character and righteousness. When believers commit to reading scripture daily, they align their hearts with the truth of who God is and what He desires for them. Start with a portion of Scripture each day and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal what God wants you to know about His righteousness. Meditate on verses like Psalm 119:11: “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”
2. Practice Humble Prayer and Repentance
Hungering for righteousness is more than head knowledge. It requires a humble heart. Set aside intentional time each day to pray—not just with requests, but with reverence. Be honest with God about your shortcomings and invite Him to replace your weakness with His strength. Repentance keeps your heart soft and open. As James 4:8 reminds us, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” The more you seek Him in humility, the more filled you become.
3. Live Righteously in Your Daily Choices
Seeking God's righteousness must eventually show up in how we live. Whether at work, in your home, or among friends, choose the way that honors God even when it’s inconvenient. Be slow to speak, quick to forgive, generous in spirit, and rooted in love. Let your decisions reflect the righteousness of the One you serve. Romans 6:13 says, “Offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness.” Living righteously is not about perfection, but about intentional alignment with God’s will.