Reading: Isaiah 55:1-3, 6
As school begins, we once again start the early days to account for traffic. Funny thing is it use to be that traffic would get on my nerves. I use to let it bother me so much that even when I had enough time I would feel like I needed to rush. As a result, my days would begin in a turmoil and then they would not be very relaxing. Along with this, I would be exasperated at the way my husband drove. His driving is just like his personality; laid back. However, my personality thinks relaxing is driving and reading at the same time. And all of you other “A-Types” know what I mean. Therefore, when my husband is driving I just want to take over the wheel. Not to mention, give a few suggestions. We began this school year with sending our oldest daughter off to kindergarten. On the first day of school, we were in a long line at a traffic light on a two lane road. He would allow at least two car lengths of space in between us and the car in front of us. As we watched the light turn from red to green many times, I began to get anxious. As I mentioned several times to him that he could gain more ground by pulling up, he would explain his reasoning and not budge. Then it hit me; it didn't matter what I said it wouldn't make a difference because he was just as content to be that far back regardless how much more space he could gain by proceeding forward. Overall, this was a lesson for me to learn because the contentment he had was for an earthly thing. Going further up in traffic might put us a few feet forward on the road, however it wouldn't matter in heaven. It made me begin to think about how spiritually we should not desire such contentment, but long for gaining more ground.Contentment is something that the Lord teaches to each of us in different ways. Sometimes I have an unexplained feeling of dissatisfaction. I find myself not necessarily complaining but just having a gnawing feeling within my soul. Every aspect of my life will be affected by it. A dissatisfaction of self, family, church, my husband's driving, etc. Life in general will begin to leave me empty. Times like these draw me into realization that I have spiritual hunger and it's time to feast with the Master. We were not created to be content with our spiritual growth. The Creator created us to desire more from Him so He can satisfy our souls. So many times we often use “satisfaction” interchangeably with “contentment,” when in reality they are not the same.
When someone is content they are happy with who they are or what they have; not wanting more or anything else. Just like my husband was satisfied with staying a few car lengths back even though he could have gained more ground. Where as the definition for satisfied is to fulfill the desires, expectations, needs, or demands of (a person, the mind, etc.). In other words, to give full contentment. We are to be content on earth when it comes to material things. When Scripture talks about contentment it talks about material wealth. Often we quote 1 Timothy 6:6-8: “Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.” Here Paul refers to the riches of the world. For certainly we know that we cannot take our money or material items with us. However, our spiritual gain will certainly go with us and when it comes to our spiritual needs we must strive for satisfaction, full contentment, but at the same time realize there is a difference. What continues to amaze me about my spiritual growth is that the more I feast spiritually the more I am satisfied, yet, I hunger for more. It is a satisfaction like none other. A satisfaction that cannot be described in a simple definition. The Lord fills us spiritually and through doing so we are content with material needs, yet, our souls continue to long spiritually. The Lord puts that desire in us as we continue to grow closer to Him. This is why I feel it is okay to beckon for more in your spiritual walk. For it is in this beckoning that your spirit is filled; your spirit is satisfied; ultimately, your spirit is overflowing.
Jesus said “Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied.” (Luke 6:21) Our Saviour wants to satisfy our hunger because He knows that when He does we will not focus on earthly means but eternal matters of the heart. We will store up our treasures in heaven. When it comes to our walk with God, relationships with others, and finding meaning in life, God wants us to be filled to overflowing! He wants to fill your hunger so much that you overflow out to others who are hungry as well. Never being content to stay behind, but always ready to gain more ground. Do you have the feeling of just being unsatisfied? Great. Go to the Master's table and feast on His Word then apply it to your life and be satisfied to the point of overflowing.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, bring me closer to You. I am thirsty and I hunger for Your Word. Give me the desire to constantly feast at Your table. It is when I am feasting that You will satisfy my soul and give me a longing for more. Lead me in gathering food from Your table so that I will overflow to others that are thirsty and hungry for Your Spirit as well. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.
