One of the things I’ve discovered is that when I am tired, discouraged, disappointed or carrying some other weight in my heart and soul is that I will usually be more easily tempted…tempted to not do the things I know to do; tempted to snap at people, be impatient and to worry. To fall into old negative habits and becoming more vulnerable to getting off track and losing focus.
When we have a clear vision, focus and reason to get up in the morning many people tend to sleep and eat less. Our minds and bodies become primed and ready for action, instead of feeling sluggish, tired and vulnerable to attack both physically and spiritually.
However if our souls are dissatisfied or we have become heart – sick we can often over eat and crave more sleep. Plus we become more vulnerable to temptation. For the more our souls are dissatisfied with our present circumstances or we have hopes and dreams that have constantly being deferred, the deeper our soul dissatisfaction. And unfortunately it’s in this dissatisfaction that we will search for something, anything to feed and bring joy to our soul. For,“When we are hungry, anything on the menu looks good. When our soul is dissatisfied, sin begins to look tempting, and even become addicted to that source because it feeds our soul.” (J. Ortberg)
Which is why it is wisdom to regularly ask ourselves, “How is my soul doing?” Am I satisfied or simply existing from day to day, feeding the emptiness in my soul with whatever is at hand and which makes me feel good in the moment?
Have you been working, waiting and being patient for a long time and now your heart feels sick? It’s important to know what our level of soul satisfaction is because other wise we leave ourselves vulnerable to temptation, discouragement and merely existing in life rather than truly living. For, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” (Prov 13:12)
Thankfully this is where God comes in, for He desires our souls to be fully satisfied and our lives to be overflowing and filled with good things. He wants to bless us so much that every desire we have is fulfilled. Whatever we dream and hope for He actually says He wants to bless and provide the answer for us, with far more than we could possibly ask for – exceedingly more (Ephesians 3:20). But firstly He wants to meet our desire to be loved, accepted and connected to someone, because deep down that’s what we not only long for, but all need.
Today I encourage you to let God into every area of your life so that He can minister to your soul. Let Him heal the hurts, fill the deep voids and direct you to those places, people and things that He’s planned for you to bless your life with.
Then determine from now on not to settle any longer for any cheap thrills and quick fix to satisfy your soul, when you can have so much more. Let God begin to satisfy you with the very best today.
“He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!” (Psalms 103:3-5 NLT)
“For He satisfies the longing soul, And fills the hungry soul with goodness.” (Psalms 107:9 NKJV)
“Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4)
Prayer: Lord thank you that you desire to satisfy my soul. Please help me to be honest and to see where I may be settling for a quick fix to satisfy my wants and needs rather than trusting and leaning into you to satisfy and grant me the desires of my heart. Would you please feed my soul and fill my life with good things today. In Jesus name Amen.