Satisfaction

What Does Not Satisfy

“Why do you spend money for what is not bread, And your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And delight yourself in abundance.” Isaiah 55:2 NASB

“It isn’t what you have or who you are or where you are or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy. It is what you think about it.”
― Dale Carnegie, How to Win Friends and Influence People

“I Can’t Get No Satisfaction,” the Rolling Stones wailed in the 60s. The truth is, I’ve done it too. What I think will satisfy me does satisfy me for a little time, which makes it so attractive. New and adorable puppy, until it chews the television cord. New dress, until I spill a glass of wine on it. New carpet, until the cat places a hairball right in my path. It’s my unsatisfied thinking! I think happy thoughts right up until my reality changes. When my reality changes, my thoughts do too. Luckily, the Father helps.

Nothing satisfies here on Earth. The award we receive along with the congratulations and attention will fade away. The marathon preparation and race will not satisfy when old. The bloom of new love fades with changing diapers and dental bills. Life changes all the time. We get older. We get sick. If we don’t have something Greater, we will be unsatisfied and unhappy.

Gratitude. Again. A vintage piece of my grandmother’s China fell to the floor. Ruined! Gone! Irreplaceable! After excoriating myself, a small voice whispered, “Did you enjoy it?” The many Thanksgivings with my grandma and this piece filled my mind and heart. Yes, I enjoyed it and can for the rest of my life. My thoughts changed to pleasant memories with the vital question who owns everything? My little dog died and I was crushed. “Did you enjoy her?” Oh yes! Every day! My thoughts turned to walks in the country, road trips, and snuggles every night. Yes, a tear or two fell.

Who owns everything? And abundantly gives us everything to enjoy? The Bread of Life. And it costs us nothing.

Musings

I become attached to everything I care about. We are to hold things lightly but it’s so difficult when it’s someone or something we love. Then I remember: It’s all the Father’s. It doesn’t mean I’m not sad or frightened, life is that way, but all belongs to Him. He always sees the Big Picture. He is our Satisfaction.

Prayer

Dear Father,

The most important gift was and is Your Son. Without the Bread of Life, we’ll never be satisfied. I’m afraid we’ve all tried that with disappointing results.

We thank you that we can delight ourselves in abundance, especially as we approach the Thanksgiving holiday. Every day is Thanksgiving with You.

Amen.