too full for seconds?

Lesley Nichols Johnson

Central Truth

Why do we sell ourselves short and settle for less when we have all that we need in Christ? He satisfies the cravings that count.

As if with choice meat you satisfy my soul.
My mouth joyfully praises you.
(Psalm 63:5)

My Soul Thirsts for You

A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah.

1 O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you;
    my soul thirsts for you;
my flesh faints for you,
    as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
2 So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary,
    beholding your power and glory.
3 Because your steadfast love is better than life,
    my lips will praise you.
4 So I will bless you as long as I live;
    in your name I will lift up my hands.

5 My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food,
    and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips,
6 when I remember you upon my bed,
    and meditate on you in the watches of the night;
7 for you have been my help,
    and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.
8 My soul clings to you;
    your right hand upholds me.

9 But those who seek to destroy my life
    shall go down into the depths of the earth;
10 they shall be given over to the power of the sword;
    they shall be a portion for jackals.
11 But the king shall rejoice in God;
    all who swear by him shall exult,
    for the mouths of liars will be stopped.

What a great feeling! To be full, but not stuffed, after a wonderful meal with friends or family. We share laughter, tears, and our hearts' desires in a safe environment. Even more so, an intentional relationship with God not only fills us up, but spills over into how we live our lives. King David knew this truth very well. He was passionately devoted to God and earnestly sought Him, longed for Him, and clung to the hope he knew was found only in God. His relationship with God was his priority during tough circumstances and also in times of ease.

Left unchecked, my sinful nature can deceive me into thinking I need material things, man's approval, or my own plans to meet my needs. This can turn into a dependence on those things instead of Christ. My joy is then dictated by my circumstances, which results in fear, control, and anxiety. But as I mature in my walk with Christ, I feel Him beside me. When I confess my sins, we stand together facing my sins, not separated by them. My friends in community spur me on in wisdom and love.

But here's the blessing. When I am filled up with Jesus' love, His grace and mercy overflow from my heart. I then have love to give to others, a desire to serve them, and the ability to extend the grace that Christ has freely given me. I can then be the woman, wife, mom, and friend that God intends for me to be. My actions are more Christ honoring, and my life looks different.

Obedience to His Word isn't always easy, but it is always fruitful. The choices we make each day shape who we are and how we show up in others' lives. The world offers cheap substitutes that are temporary, superficial, and leave us empty. Christ is the full-meal deal, and He will always meet us where we are. A belief in Him guarantees us full satisfaction, for all eternity.

Like David, being filled up with a trust in God does leave me longing for more.

1. What do you allow to steal your time away from God?

2. How can you prioritize your day to put time with God at the top of your to-do list?

3. What are some worldly trappings that have you in bondage? Are you willing to release them at the foot of the cross . . . and leave them there?

4. Can you make an effort today to reach out to someone with an encouraging word or action?