Image Courtesy of Stock Exchange
Why spend money on what is not bread,
and your labor on what does not satisfy?
Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good,
and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.
Isaiah 55:2
So often I am in *pursuit* of satisfaction…to find something that will ease and soothe the aching and longing of my heart. I spend boundless energy and time diligently seeking, yet the solution I turn to doesn’t have the capacity to satisfy.
“He has placed eternity in the hearts of men” (Ecclesiastes 3:11) and that “God-shaped hole” can only be filled with HIM–not a food-shaped peg.
As I turn to HIM, instead of the refrigerator, turn to His WORD, instead of into the drive-thru, as I sit at His feet instead of bow in homage to the almighty _______ (insert tasty morsel of your choice), as I listen to Him and eat of what He offers, my soul will be nourished, satisfied…*delighted*. What a wonderful promise!
Lord, I pursue You today. I will look to You to meet the ache in my soul. Whether it is sadness, loneliness, happiness, boredom, I will not spend myself in trying to satisfy the longing I have. Instead, Lord, today I will turn to You, through prayer, to listening to You, through Your Word and the Holy Spirit. I will “eat” what is good…that which You provide. I look forward to your promise happening for me… I will delight in what you bring my way, as You nourish my body and my soul. Thank you, Lord. Amen.
© Heidi Bylsma 7/4/1998
Amen!
Lovely photo of bread, one of my personal favorites. In all its beauty and tastyneess it will not fill up my need for God. Learning to embrace the love and security I can have in God is my personal challenge. challenge. The world cannot fill this hole. Thanks for helping me along in my journey.
Yes! I join you in this prayer. I so often reach out for things and activities that provide much less satisfaction than spending time with the Lord. As I am going through this journey, I realize that my definition of satisfaction has changed. I think I have been looking to experience a life with no problems or distractions and so often reaching out for food gave me a sense of that type of “happiness” I was searching for, even if just momentarily. In fact, these past weeks, through this study and through coaching, I have come to an understanding that really satisfaction for me is a peace and joy that transcends my surroundings. Although I am going through a very stressful time in my life, this study has helped me to get to a place of serenity that is completely satisfying. In fact, the serenity has helped me to stick to my boundaries. I praise God for letting me experience this during this hard time in my life. Thanks God, Heidi, Barb, and all of you.
This is so great to hear, Lisa. I’m glad the study has been helpful!