Satisfied

Psalm 145:13-16

You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing. (Psalm 145:16, NIV)

MONKS AND NUNS WHO SOUGHT an ascetic lifestyle in the late Middle Ages often went to extraordinary lengths to quench their impulses. The purpose was not just self-deprivation. Their goal was to subdue every physical sense in order to cultivate their spiritual senses. Most aimed for simplicity and austerity, but some went far beyond these ideals. They made their food as bland as possible and ate as little as they could; endured the extremes of cold and heat without trying to modify their conditions; avoided sleep in order to devote themselves to prayer; and inflicted penalties on themselves by punishing their bodies. This hardly accomplished the goal—pain tends to heighten senses, not subdue them—but it did reflect a genuine desire. The human heart is desperate to get beyond earthly limitations and experience something of the blessings of heaven.

The good news is that we can have a taste of heaven on earth without denying the senses God has given us. Self-discipline is never a bad thing, but it is not capable of leading us into divine experiences. Jesus is, however, and his Spirit offers us encounters with the Father that can transform us from within. The fact that Jesus’ first recorded miracle was at a wedding, where there was dancing and drink and a joyful celebration, should tell us something about his purposes for us. He wants us to be satisfied with life—not superficially happy, not self-indulgent in satiating our senses, but to have fullness of joy. That is possible whether circumstances line up with our desires or not. But he often satisfies our desires just to show us how good he can be.

The heart that is always longing for something else does not reflect on our Father well. God is honored when we are satisfied in him—when we recognize what he gives, thank him for it, and enjoy it to the full. We become a testimony to his goodness when we let ourselves experience it. Enjoy whatever abundance he gives, and live with gratitude. Let the world see a good Father in you.

{Lord, forgive me for what my discontentment implies—that you don’t provide enough, aren’t good enough, or somehow withhold your blessings from me. Delight my heart with good things, and remind me to celebrate them. May I overflow with fullness of joy. Amen.