Proverbs 30:2 Surely I am only a brute, not a man; I do not have human understanding.
I can’t get no satisfaction!
The British rock star and philosopher Mick Jagger has been howling this statement for decades. For many listeners of this old song, the truth of it has come home and has become poignant to the point of heartbreak. Many have traded sex for affection, drugs for enlightenment, and alcohol for strength and courage: all in the search of fulfillment. People have traded their values and morals for money.
Many have even exchanged their personal identity for the acceptance of others, resulting in false friendships that come from that exchange. Through it all, they have found no satisfaction for their souls whatsoever. Perhaps we have to ask ourselves the question found in the word of God. Luke 24:5b Why do you look for the living among the dead?
Why do we continually keep looking for purpose and fulfillment in a fallen and destructive environment? Someone might answer, “It is because we live on this earth and are human; therefore, look for satisfaction within the realm of our existence.” This answer seems to be right until we come to the fact that we are first a spirit with a soul living in a body.
Our first position and existence is spirit and until the needs of the spirit are met the rest of our being will be found wanting. 1 John 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. 8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.
Many have even exchanged their personal identity for the acceptance of others, resulting in false friendships that come from that exchange. Through it all, they have found no satisfaction for their souls whatsoever. Perhaps we have to ask ourselves the question found in the word of God. Luke 24:5b Why do you look for the living among the dead?
Why do we continually keep looking for purpose and fulfillment in a fallen and destructive environment? Someone might answer, “It is because we live on this earth and are human; therefore, look for satisfaction within the realm of our existence.” This answer seems to be right until we come to the fact that we are first a spirit with a soul living in a body.
Our first position and existence is spirit and until the needs of the spirit are met the rest of our being will be found wanting. 1 John 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. 8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.
Satisfaction, contentment, fulfillment and rest are not commodities that can be bought or exchanged on an open market as advertised twenty-four-seven by the many media outlets in this world. Paul the Apostle said that he had learned to become content. Phil. 4:11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
Contentment, satisfaction and fulfillment are disciplines and acquired skills that we grow into by the leading of the Holy Spirit. Happiness is often circumstantial but satisfaction is a state of being. True enough, I can’t get no satisfaction in this world system; however, I can get it in the kingdom of God. Matt. 11:28 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Contentment, satisfaction and fulfillment are disciplines and acquired skills that we grow into by the leading of the Holy Spirit. Happiness is often circumstantial but satisfaction is a state of being. True enough, I can’t get no satisfaction in this world system; however, I can get it in the kingdom of God. Matt. 11:28 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
So, how I do change the tune of that old song in my life? How do I get satisfaction in this life? A very good instruction given to us by the Apostle Paul is stated in Gal. 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. First things first. Walk, react, talk and go forward in the spirit of God who lives in you and is leading you through your conscience to do what the Lord has already instructed you to do through His word.
If we do this we will not fall to the seductions of all the sins that are available to each one of us. When we start to focus on living by putting the spirit first then satisfaction, contentment, fulfillment and peace will come up to the forefront of our beings. Some will say to me at this point, “I do not read the bible as much as I should. How do I get to the point of the Apostle Paul’s instruction?” This is the dilemma going on in the body of Christ today.
People want all the blessings of God without growing in a relationship with Him. A worldly saying that describes this problem would be, ” Everyone wants to park in the shade but no one wants to plant a tree.” God has made it possible for every person on this earth, regardless of race, nation, language, status or anything else that designates a human being to come to Him and have a relationship. Growth in that relationship comes through His word. Rom. 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
If we do this we will not fall to the seductions of all the sins that are available to each one of us. When we start to focus on living by putting the spirit first then satisfaction, contentment, fulfillment and peace will come up to the forefront of our beings. Some will say to me at this point, “I do not read the bible as much as I should. How do I get to the point of the Apostle Paul’s instruction?” This is the dilemma going on in the body of Christ today.
People want all the blessings of God without growing in a relationship with Him. A worldly saying that describes this problem would be, ” Everyone wants to park in the shade but no one wants to plant a tree.” God has made it possible for every person on this earth, regardless of race, nation, language, status or anything else that designates a human being to come to Him and have a relationship. Growth in that relationship comes through His word. Rom. 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
I am not advocating a bunch of “Thou shall do and thou shall not do” to get true satisfaction in our lives. I am saying that authentic satisfaction comes from a relationship with God and is developed and nurtured just as much and even more than with spouse or friends. Become satisfied in God and who He is in your life and then you will become satisfied with who you are. Become satisfied in the Lord and you will become satisfied in your own skin.
Satisfaction is found in the kingdom of God and not the realms of this temporal world system. Yes, we all live in this world, but put God first and the world system will not live in you. Matt. 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Satisfaction is found in the kingdom of God and not the realms of this temporal world system. Yes, we all live in this world, but put God first and the world system will not live in you. Matt. 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Amen!
Good word, Sir Norm. This is excellent – and much needed this morning. Love you much.