Active Theology

“For he satisfies the longing soul,
and the hungry soul he fills with good things.” (Psalm 107:9, ESV)

Recently, after a long week, Haley and I had the opportunity to go out on a date. I don’t remember the details of why the week felt so taxing, but I remember longing for some downtime. When we got out of the house we decided to eat at one of our favorite sushi spots. We hadn’t sat down to a meal there in quite awhile, so we were looking forward to a relaxing evening.

Our time together was wonderful. The food was stellar, we were enjoying each other’s company, and we capped off the night at Half Price Books (I found a few treasures!). I was on cloud nine from our time together. I felt refreshed and ready to head back home. Throughout the next day I kept thinking about how much I enjoyed the evening. 

But the feeling always fades. Life keeps moving forward. The longing for another evening void of responsibilities will always come back. 

I know that the things of this world will never fully satisfy and soothe my soul. I know this. Yet, I find myself still trying every once in a while. 

If you go back to a devotional I wrote in November, I mentioned trying to find fulfillment in buying a new guitar. I knew I didn’t need one. I knew it wouldn’t satisfy me in the end. I’m pleased to report that my time spent online looking at guitars has drastically dwindled over the past few months. Any guesses on what has increased instead? My time in God’s Word and in prayer. 

When I give my heart and my mind over to Jesus, that is when I always feel the most satisfied and “filled up”. 

There are passages all over the Bible that point us to this truth. A few that come to mind –  Psalm 16:11, Philippians 4:11-12, John 4:14, 6:35. Or I think about examples of people in Scripture. I think about Paul and Silas sitting in prison and singing hymns in the middle of the night (Acts 16). No matter the circumstance, they were satisfied in Jesus and the gospel.  

We all long for different things from time to time. Sometimes we just need to be reminded and redirected back to the source of all satisfaction and joy. (Psalm 43:4) Through the ups and down of life, we need to stand firm on the satisfaction that God gives us.

God graciously gives us good gifts to enjoy on this earth, like a sushi dinner with my wife. But we can’t forget that He is the source of our everlasting satisfaction. 

Prayer: Father, I admit that I search for satisfaction in the wrong places sometimes. I know that You provide peace and joy to the fullest. Help me to remember this truth. Help me to seek after You. Amen. 

Song: “Satisfied In You” by the Sing Team

Craig is a worship pastor at Wallula Christian Church and the creator of Active Theology. He loves coffee dates with his wife, reading, and riding his bike. A few of his favorite things are third wave coffee, vanilla ice cream, and plain t-shirts.