Full Satisfaction

Somedays we feel unfulfilled. We feel like we are missing something. These feelings lead us on a search for pleasure. We begin to chase things that we think will bring us more happiness.  We are all guilty of this, but we usually express it in different ways. Some people run to material things, which includes buying items that seem satisfying. Others look for confidence in the opinions of others, doing things that will draw attention and make us feel better about ourselves. We feed off the compliments of others. And then, some of us turn to other addictions that make us feel better in the moment including alcohol, drugs, etc. We may even turn and imitate what others are doing, hoping it will bring us that same happiness. In the end, all of these things are temporary. They are usually short-lived and sometimes even more harmful in the long run than helpful in the present moment. 

For those of us that turn to material things for comfort, we buy something that we really want in the moment and once we get it, we feel as if that one thing is going to be just what we “needed”. But then after the hype of that item goes away, we find interest in another item that we believe will bring us even more happiness. It becomes a vicious cycle, and it is harmful. Harmful because it intensifies our shopping addiction which can lead to further issues including crowd followers, people pleasers or even debt. 

There is some void that we are trying to fill, some pain we are trying to numb, or some problem we are trying to avoid. It could be loneliness, anxiety, self-doubt, or even just simple unhappiness in life. But God never promised us happiness, he promised us joy found in Him. In fact, in James 1, we are told to count it all joy when we face trials, meaning we will indeed face not-so-good days. Happiness is normally caused by external circumstances (or happenings) but joy is internal and enduring. We have joy when no matter the circumstances, we know who we are and whose we are.We find peace and satisfaction in the only unchanging, tried and true, constant known to man and that is God’s word. No matter what we are feeling or what we may face, we can find all we need in God. 

Isaiah 58:11 reads “The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.”

Wow! The Lord will satisfy your needs in a desert place. When there seems like nothing is available to help, The Lord himself will provide, guide, and strengthen. So when we feel weak, when we are in a dark place, we don’t have to turn to these temporary pleasures. Our full satisfaction is found in the Lord. 

Psalms 16:11 “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”

Our purpose is found in Him. We find joy in God’s presence. He offers eternal pleasures, not temporary excitement. So the next time you feel down or feeling unfulfilled, get in God’s presence! He will bring all you didn’t even know you needed! 

❤️