SATISFACTION

Psalm 63:4,5—I will praise You as long as I live, and in Your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise You.

Sometimes it’s hard to really know how much you love something until you lose it. We knew today was coming and dreaded it—things just won’t be the same.

I’ve scored the winning goal in the final minute of a close soccer game—yet the euphoria faded. First place ribbons and medallions from cross-country and track cannot sustain joy. I’ve tasted the delicious double scoop daiquiri ice cream Baskin & Robbins makes but even it cannot overcome the bland onslaught of saliva. The Yankees have won the World Series. The Green Bay Packers have won the Super Bowl. My children have blessed my socks off; it’s harder to pull my socks on! Even ecstatic bubbles of victory eventually burst and descend as tiny reality droplets to the valley where most of life is lived. With victories come defeats and vice versa.

Poignant satisfaction must run deeper than framed achievements and Kodak memories or we will find ourselves adrift in a volcanic lake of meaninglessness! Promotions, passing the driving test, buying that first house, recovering from a dangerous illness, the birth of a child, sharing intimate moments on some fantastic island, giving to someone in desperate need, receiving recognition for work well done . . . the list is long of those things that please our spirits. Yet, I’ve never found ANYTHING that can bring long-lasting, spirit-nourishing satisfaction like loving Jesus.

By loving the Messiah I find my heart is continuously satisfied. This morning chainsaws and the ruthless steel jaws of a tractor toppled two tall firs and a stately cherry. Our once wonderfully shaded home now sits naked before every passerby. Sidewalks and a sewer line will be better for the neighborhood but don’t tell that to five sad tree fans—at least right now. Under the August sun we already feel the heat. No, life on Tiedeman won’t be the same, but life with Jesus will still be satisfying. No matter what comes or goes, stands or falls, yells or is silent, rests or runs, satisfaction—the lasting kind is found in my eternal Savior. I hope it’s the same for you. Worse than losing trees is not knowing the abundant life that comes from an awesome Lord. Something to think about . . . in reveration!

Inspiration
Jesus Christ, and He alone, is able to satisfy the craving of the human heart to know the whence and whither of life. He enables men to understand that they have come into this life from a deep purpose in the heart of God, that the one thing they are here for is to get readjusted to God and to become His lovers.—Oswald Chambers in Conformed to His Image