The Satisfied Christian Part 1

A satisfied soul loathes the honeycomb, but to a hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet. Proverbs 27:7

          Our lives as Christians should not be dull, boring, or not fun.  On the contrary, we should find satisfaction with the plan that God has for our lives.  If we are not satisfied, we will eventually stray off God’s path.  According to Proverbs 27:7, if our souls are hungry, thirsting, or desiring, even bitter things seem sweet to us.  Basically, we will find satisfaction in things that are normally not satisfying.  You can relate this to those who are less fortunate that do not have much to eat.  They are happy to eat other people’s leftovers or food that might be thrown away because they are hungry.  If we do not learn to be satisfied with the things of the Lord, we will go searching for other things that are not of God.  Solomon said in Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 (NIV), “I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.”  This is not a ticket to do whatever makes us happy!  This is explaining how we should be as we obey God’s Word in our lives, happy and satisfied.  Once we achieve this, there is nothing better!

          If you are not finding yourself satisfied with God’s plan for your life, change your confession.  Start by thanking God for all your blessings and provisions.  1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”  Thank Him for your job, transportation, health, home, family, His plan for your life, the Word, His protection over your life, etc…  Next, stop grumbling and complaining about everything, but especially about God’s plan in your life (disciplining yourself to obey the Word, being patient, walking by faith, crucifying your flesh, etc.).   Philippians 2:14-15 says, “Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.”  Start by making a list of 5 things you are thankful for at the beginning of each day.

The Satisfied Christian Part 2

Now godliness with contentment is great gain.  1 Timothy 6:6

          Paul said in Philippians 4:11b (AMP), “I have learned how to be content (satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or disquieted) in whatever state I am.”  As Paul learned, we all must learn to be satisfied with God’s plan for our lives and not seek alternatives that will lead to death (Proverbs 14:12 and Proverbs 27:7).  We live in a world that wants to blame others when we are not satisfied.  I am not satisfied with my spouse because they…, I am not happy at work because my boss…, I need a newer car because my neighbor has one.  All these statements have their root in selfishness and envy.  James 3:16 addresses these very things: “For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.”  We allow evil things into our lives when we choose to grumble and complain.  Let’s explore where true satisfaction comes from.  Satisfied, content, and fulfilled are all synonyms meaning to have our expectations, desires, or needs met.  In reality we are in control of our own satisfaction!  Our satisfaction is not determined by what others do to us, but by the desires and expectations we have on others. 

          If we crucify our passions and desires (Galatians 5:24), our satisfaction will increase which will pour over into the rest of our lives.  If we truly love our spouses, we will remove inappropriate expectations and then we will experience greater satisfaction in our marriages.  The same is true for our jobs, relationships with family and friends, etc…  Then we will walk in 1 Timothy 6:6 which says, “Now godliness with contentment is great gain.”  Verse 8 says, “And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.” However, if we do not crucify our passions and desires, we become selfish and then James 1:15 goes into effect. “When desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.”  Desires will lead to an unsatisfied life and eventually death.  Crucify your desires, trust God in every area of your life (Proverbs 3:5-6), obey the Word (Joshua 1:8) and you will be content or satisfied in all you do (Ecclesiastes 3:12-13).