Hungering and Thirsting for Righteousness in Daily Living
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”
Matthew 5:6, ESV
Continuing our series on Keys to Happiness, we are blessed to feature a guest post from our friend and sister in Christ, Dawn Bowers. Dawn has a heart for encouraging women in their walk with the Lord, and today she shares a personal reflection on marriage, conviction, and God’s grace.
By Dawn Bowers
A personal reflection on growth, conviction, and grace
God uses the imagery of hunger and thirst because it’s universal, urgent, and deeply human. Everyone knows what it feels like to be hungry or thirsty—it’s more than a mild desire; it’s a driving need. In Matthew 5:6 (“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled”), Jesus points to a spiritual desperation that leads to divine satisfaction.
Just as we feed our bodies daily, our souls need daily nourishment. But while food satisfies temporarily, the righteousness of God satisfies eternally. He becomes our sustenance—our bread of life and living water. Hungering for righteousness isn’t just about moral perfection; it’s about longing for intimacy with the One who is righteous. And in that pursuit, God doesn’t just meet us—He transforms us.
Even our daily struggles—the things that make us feel weak, empty, or frustrated—become part of the process. God uses those moments to refine us and deepen our dependence on Him. Our hunger becomes holy. Our thirst becomes a pathway to grace. In the end, He doesn’t just give us righteousness—He is our righteousness.
A Personal Reflection on Hungering and Thirsting for Righteousness
About a month ago, our pastor preached a series on marriage based on the Song of Songs. Before that series, I would have said I strive to be a good wife. We don’t have many issues, and I’d probably rate myself around an 8.
But after that series, I saw myself more clearly—and realized I had fallen short in several areas of God’s standard for a godly wife. Honestly, I think I’d be closer to a 6 than an 8. As conviction set in, I began to see how I’d become out of balance. Some things I’d never addressed. One of those struggles is defensiveness.
I’ve always thought I could handle the truth. But in reality, I don’t always handle it well—especially with my husband. I often misunderstand him, assuming he’s being critical, and before I clarify, I’m already defending myself. Most of the time, he isn’t being critical. This pattern hurts our communication.
So I’ve asked: How did defensiveness become a reflex? I want us to grow closer, not drift apart because of my own issues.
The Call to Righteousness
Matthew 5:6 says, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”
The Greek word for hunger—peinaō—means to famish. The Greek word for thirst—dipsaō—means to suffer from thirst.
So I question myself: Am I famished for God’s righteousness? Do I deeply thirst for Him to change me?
The only way a person can be made righteous is through Jesus Christ and a personal relationship with Him. When He called me to know Him, I was changed. My desires changed. I wanted Him to reign in every area of my life.
When I see my own sin, I must own it. I must confess and ask for His help—because without Him, I can’t overcome it. He is the righteousness I am seeking.
Choosing Change and Joy
I could keep living defensively. But is that honoring my husband? Would that bring happiness to our lives and marriage? Don’t I desire to be changed? I can stay in my sin, or I can submit to God and seek His transforming power and righteousness in my life, choosing joy and healing for our marriage. This is satisfying to my soul.
Chuck Swindoll writes, “True disciples of Christ have an insatiable appetite for spiritual truth and a life of holiness.” (pg. 89)
That resonates. I want that appetite. I want that holiness. I want to be satiated and happy.
God wants me to honor my husband and have a beautiful marriage. As His child, He calls me to hunger and thirst for righteousness, bring Him my sin, and ask for His help. He doesn’t want me to merely know about Him, but to know Him deeply. This is sanctification—and it brings happiness, intimacy, and godly character into daily living.
And as the beautiful attitude promises: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”
Scripture References
The Reformation Study Bible. (2005). Ligonier Ministries. (Matthew 5:6)
Theological & Scholarly Sources
Blue Letter Bible Lexical Resources, “Blue Letter Bible” Retrieved from www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon
Swindoll, Charles R. (2020). New Testament Commentary, Matthew 1-15 (Swindoll’s Living Insights series). Tyndale House Press
Dawn Bowers grew up in the small town of Clifton, Texas, and now calls Rowlett home, where she lives with her husband, Rick, and their loyal German Shepherd, Tess. A devoted member of her local church, Dawn serves as a leader in the caregiver support group, walking alongside others with compassion and grace. She’s passionate about helping people grow in their faith and finds deep joy in caring for her mother.
When she’s not serving or studying Scripture, you’ll find Dawn experimenting with new recipes, baking bread, tending to her garden, or walking outdoors. She’s a lover of health, hospitality, and the beauty of God’s creation—and she writes from a place of humility, conviction, and hope.