Try Being Satisfied

“Satisfecho” is a Spanish word that came to mind recently.  As I ponder it, enunciating each syllable slowly and distinctly, it evokes a deep, filling sensation…satisfied!  And I’m reminded once again about the value of contentment.

            I write a weekly column for my local newspaper about the lessons the LORD is teaching me. The deadline to submit my essays falls at the beginning of the week, which causes me  to pause and  reflect on how I live my days.  God longs for my heart and spirit to be satisfied in Him, not always yearning for, or striving after, the “good life.”

I type this while a coupon worth 20% off at one of my favorite stores is burning a hole in my wallet.  You see, the coupon expires today, in merely three hours and 28 minutes! But the closest stores are more than 40 miles away, just too far for a spur-of-the- moment trip on a hot, humid summer afternoon, given the cost of the gasoline.

 

            So I’m wondering about what compels me to always want more?  Why is it so difficult to count my blessings and simply be content?  As an American I have enjoyed incredible freedom and prosperity, but have I really appreciated it?

True satisfaction happens when I make gratitude the goal of my life.  The apostle Paul wrote the following counsel to his apprentice Timothy.  His words are the secret to contentment and they challenge me.

             “But godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.  But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness…” (1 Timothy 6:6-12)

 

            Oh to know deep down that God’s love truly satisfies (Psalm 90:14); and to seek Him for the contentment that often seems elusive!  Indeed, as our culture of consumerism constantly entices our senses, we need to be on guard against the lie that happiness is found in things; choosing instead to be sheltered by God’s truth.  For He has promised His children satisfaction now, and a glorious future in His presence!

“The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.”  Isaiah 58:11

By His grace, I can be “satisfecho!”