To have enough. What a mind-boggling concept. We live our days on “more,” not “enough.”
Our time is spent seeking more time. Our appetites are never appeased for long. Our work earns what it takes to get by- but never enough to meet all of our needs and desires.
We are the unsatisfied. And often, we’re proud of that fact. Accomplishing more and gaining more earn us praise and make us successful in this world.
But Scripture says this:
“Why spend money on what is not bread,
and your labor on what does not satisfy?”
–Isaiah 55:2
We prefer to seek and seek and seek. To spend and gain. It’s no surprise, though, that this prodding toward satisfaction is found in the same chapter as the well-known word from God that His way is not our way. That His way is higher than ours.
Our way, our focus on “more,” is ever-changing and expanding. But God’s is complete. Whole. Contented. Full.
His way -His self- is enough.
You can breathe that sigh of relief now.
“Praise the Lord, my soul…who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”
–Psalm 103:5
Satisfy is a beautiful word.
In this verse Michele shared in her earlier post about memorizing the mind of God, we’re reminded of what satisfaction accomplishes: renewal and praise.
Yes, that’s right. Satisfaction accomplishes something.
Without satisfaction, we’re in the loop of “more.” We’re trapped in a cycle. But satisfaction says “enough.” Calls us full, and marks the completion of something.
Satisfaction means that what was intended has been fulfilled.
That fullness gives glory to the Lord. It shows the fullness of His plans and demonstrates His faithfulness.
When we are satisfied, we admit that the Lord is all that He says He is and give Him the ultimate praise: that there is none other and nothing more. That He is the standard, the good, and the end we seek.
Satisfaction proclaims that our God is indeed perfect.
Another mind-boggling concept, I know. But praise Him!
For being so complex, the truth is quite simple: Why spend on that which can’t satisfy? Praise the Lord: He does satisfy. To find what is enough and complete, look no further than to Him.
This post is being shared on:
#WomenWithIntention, #TellHisStory, #Thought-Provoking Thursday, #DanceWithJesus, #LLMLinkup and #LifeGivingLinkup.
I wonder how many people, if asked to say the first word that comes to their mind about God, would say “satisfying.” Probably not very many, and yet what a beautiful truth! I always love reading these mid-week posts, because it’s fun to see what you zero in on!
Michele- thanks for sharing the verses that provided the word! And I doubt that too. It’s not usually the first word that comes to mind for me, either…but I hope the Lord will change that!!
Bethany, this post really caught my eye because my word for 2016 is “satisfied.” Ironically (or perhaps not), I have been less satisfied this year than I’ve been in a long time, even though Psalm 90:14 has been my near-daily prayer: “Satisfy us in the morning with your faithful love so that we may shout for joy and be glad all our days.” I’m not sure what that all means, aside from the fact that my focus needs to be more on praising God for His “enough-ness” and less on the little things in my life that I am not content with right now! Good thoughts here!
His Word is timely, isn’t it? I like that irony. Not because it’s good to be unsatisfied, but because I’m sure that is your word for the year because the Lord laid on you- and He knew you’d need it! Thanks for sharing and adding your thoughts about adjusting our focus!!
This is really beautiful and so true. No one brings satisfaction like Jesus. And I love your perspective that if we are satisfied, it tells the world of His goodness. Thanks for sharing!
I have been spending time on things that don’t satisfy! Thank you for writing this! The Lord brought me here today! Praise God for your message!
Beautiful truth in your post. The verse from Psalm 103:5 is great to keep in mind as we begin the week!