APRIL 2025 - DEVOTION
SATISFACTION
“Satisfy us” Psalm 90:14
NATURAL SATISFACTION
Satisfaction in this temporary, natural realm is fleeting. The hunger for food, once satiated, will return. The thirst and need for liquids are frequent and can quickly become pressing. The desire for sleep and rest filled by the night in a warm bed will again be very present in a few hours. You will need more money to pay more bills almost as soon as the last payment is processed. I could go on with more examples, but again, I will say that satisfaction in this temporary, natural realm is fleeting. But for the Child of God this knowledge of returning need in this life can also be quenched by the Promise of God, "who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s” (Psalm 103:5). Our God is good and has promised to meet and satisfy our natural needs.
SUSTAINING SATISFACTION
But the soul has needs as well. Thankfully, God's Word also promises satisfaction that will sustain us spiritually while we presently deal with our natural hunger. This promised provision covers what we need to gift soul satisfaction while living our natural lives. This satisfaction includes:
- His causing us to approach Him – Psalm 65:5. Our Holy God had to divinely provide a way for men steeped in sin to come into His presence.
- Forgiveness – “Who forgiveth all thine iniquities…” – Psalm 103:3. The limited and temporary path available in the Old Testament has given way to the Cross of Calvary where Jesus’ blood atones for the sin of all who will believe on Him and receive His gift.
- Mercy – “Satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days" – Psalm 90:14. His allowing us to approach Him and providing forgiveness is impossible to explain without acknowledging that it all flows from His mercy; His desire to lift our burdens and ease our pain.
The cumulative effect of these acts and promises of God fulfills His goal in Psalm 107:9: "For He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness”.
FURTHER SATISFACTION
As Bible students know, there is much more satisfaction to come when we experience His presence and provision without our incessant natural needs commanding our attention. Our hearts can only dream of all that will entail and the satisfaction it will yield.
AND YET
David had experienced God's provision, often miraculously, in his life. He knew God could provide bountifully even in the wilderness. David knew the relief of being fed and watered in times of trouble and lack. And yet he longed for a satisfaction beyond the natural. He put it this way, "As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness" (Psalm 17:15). The ultimate satisfaction experience is described succinctly. Lord, may all your people long for that today.
