Are You Satisfied in the Lord Today?

September 03, 2022

By Brooke Holt

“But my people did not listen to my voice; Israel would not submit to me. So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts, to follow their own counsels. Oh, that my people would listen to me, that Israel would walk in my ways! I would soon subdue their enemies and turn my hand against their foes. Those who hate the Lord would cringe toward him, and their fate would last forever. But he would feed you with the finest of the wheat, and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.” Psalm 81:11-16

I am a gift giver and a lover of gifts! When my children were young, I delighted in Christmas mornings when they would come down the stairs to an array of gifts. I loved seeing their joy in opening each and every present because my heart’s desire was to bless them.

Do you know God feels this way about you? He has always loved his people and longed to see them flourish and be blessed. In Psalm 81, we read how he led his people out of bondage in Egypt and into the promised land, a land flowing with milk and honey. The Lord delighted in seeing his people transition from manna to this abundance of good food. His abundance was intended to continue; however, there was a stipulation to receiving that bountiful provision. God’s people were to love, obey, and worship him alone. Alas, God alone freed them, led them, and knocked down the walls surrounding Jericho. He gave them the land.

Despite this provision of the Lord, the Israelites did not remain faithful to him. They let their hearts be led astray by foreign gods. They sought satisfaction in the things of the land, and their obedience waned as their love for God grew dim. Heartbroken, God gave them over to the world. They worshipped idols, married foreigners, and even forgot the Lord God. Then the enemies came and overtook their land. It turns out the foreign gods had no real power to protect them. While the things of the world seemed so appealing, those things didn’t last. The world simply cannot satisfy the human heart.

You would hope we could learn from the Israelite’s poor example. Unfortunately, we too often have stubborn hearts. Where God stands with open arms, ready to love us, give abundant grace to forgive us, lead us in his good and perfect will, we keep trying to do life our way and according to our agenda. It still does not work. That is why even the most successful celebrities struggle with finding meaning and purpose with all the world’s toys and luxuries.

God would ask you today if you find your deep soul satisfaction in him or are still looking to the world. Now, reread his words slowly: “The Lord would feed you with the finest of the wheat, and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you” (verse 16). The Lord is not stingy but abundant in his blessings. May you look to him alone today for the satisfaction of your soul!

Reflection:

Do you see the Lord as that perfectly heavenly Father who longs to satisfy, bless, and see you flourish in this world and the world to come? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Related Resource:

Follow the ancient way of the Psalms and find the life God has for you. A model for vibrant worship, the Psalms provide practical wisdom to traverse the circuitous path of life with trust and hope. Pilgrim’s Path: A Study of the Psalms traces our spiritual walk with God—from discovery and delight, through doubt and disappointment, into joyful confidence. Whether used for individual or group study, Pilgrim’s Path is for everyone who seeks to know and love God more and find life in him.