FOCUS ON THAT WHICH WILL SATISFY THE SOUL

 “As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word; that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.”—1 Peter 2:2-3
 
One day as Jesus and His disciples were walking from the city of Judea to Galilee they came to the city of Samaria.  Jesus was very tired, so He sat down to rest by a water-well while His disciples went into the city to buy some food. It is here, by what is known as Jacob’s well, that Jesus asked a Samaritan woman to give Him a drink of water. Because their two cultures did not speak to one-another, she was puzzled and asked Him, “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me a Samaritian woman? For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.”  Jesus went on to tell the woman that if she knew who she was talking to that she would have asked Him to give her living water (John 4:3-10). 
 
Have you ever had a time when you experienced unbearable thirst?  You probably would have traded anything for a drink. There is nothing that taste’s better than that cold, refreshing glass of water.  Now compare this physical need to spiritual thirst.  Jesus referred to Himself as "living water" because He knew that we have a deep need for fulfillment.  It is only the living water that can truly satisfy.
 
When asked why people all over the world long to come to America, a high school class came to the conclusion:  “To fulfill the American dream of owning their own home, having a vehicle to drive, having a family and money in the bank.”  Isn't it interesting that no matter what country a person may live in that there is so much dissatisfaction?   In Christ, we have everything necessary to be complete, content, and fulfilled.  Yet our world deceptively tells us to seek after wealth, glory, and other empty dreams.  These seem to gratify for a short time, if at all.  Yet we often do not recognize our actual needs.
 
This same thing happened to Eve in the Garden of Eden.  She and her husband, Adam, had everything that that needed, and yet when the Enemy came, he caused her to focus on a perceived need.  See Genesis 1-3.  Our common enemy, Satan, continues to use the same deception today.  He causes people to focus on a perceived need and then tells us that his poor substitutes will satisfy the hunger inside us.
 
However, my friend, Jesus is the only thing that can satisfy our souls.  He called Himself "the bread of life" and "living water” (John 6:34-35; 7:38).  These are the sustenance’s our soul requires to survive and thrive.   His Word is alive, able to teach, convict, and redirect us toward a godly path, “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any tow edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).   The spiritual milk of God’s truth provides the nourishment our souls need to be satisfied.
 
All of us have an emptiness within us—a longing for something more. The question then, becomes, what are you attempting to use to satisfy your soul?  Are you using other things to try to satisfy the longing in your soul?  I heard someone say that our hearts are like a jigsaw puzzle and no matter how hard you try to force a wrong piece, it will never fit correctly.  Today I urge you to turn to Jesus, and His living water will satisfy your soul.
Prayer—Father I repent for substituting other things in my life to satisfy the longings of my soul and I ask You to forgive me.  Lord I turn to You with my whole heart seeking You and You alone to satisfy my yearnings, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

SEEK THE LORD AND SATISFY YOUR SOUL

“O God, you are my God: early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You…”—Psalm 63:1
 
A personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ has the potential to be more intimately satisfying than any earthly connection.  King David recorded his experience in Psalm 63.  Our Heavenly Father wants to have a loving bond with us just as He did with David.
 
Making a firm commitment to know Him is the first step, which takes priority above all matters.  David described his passion to know God as an intense thirst; the Apostle Paul likened his dedication in pursuing the Lord to a race.  “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witness, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1-2).
 
When we pledge ourselves to the lordship of Christ and seek after Him with our hearts and minds, we will find our souls becoming satisfied.  Once we resolve to follow diligently after the Lord, our next step is to spend time in His Word.
 
The Bible is God’s revelation of Himself and His plan for the world.  Making time to read and meditate on Scripture is essential for every believer.  That’s how we learn who God is, how He works, and what He desires for us and for the body of Christ.  When we strive to know and understand a biblical passage, the Holy Spirit will make the meaning clear to us.  An illumination comes, and the Holy Spirit makes the passage come to life.  God is pleased by followers who make it their goal to deepen their relationship with Him.
 
Dedicating time to know and experiencing God is a critical step toward a satisfying walk with Him.  Begin today by making a pledge to pursue Him more diligently and taking time in your schedule for regular study and prayer.  “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).
 
Your heavenly Father is willing to meet with you.
 
 Prayer—Father I thank You for satisfying my every longing.  Today I purpose to thirst for You as I never have before.  I thank You that You have told me that when I seek I shall find, when I knock it shall be opened, and whatever I ask in Jesus’ Name shall be given to me.  I ask you to fill my cup with Your presence and revelation, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.