If you’d prefer to listen to this post you can do so by clicking the link below and listen for free on Podbean. Alternatively, you can listen to The Jesus 4 Generations Podcast on your favourite streaming platform, e.g. Spotify, Apple Podcasts, etc.
https://ozsazzles.podbean.com/e/finding-fulfillment-beyond-material-desires/
During our journey of life we may find ourselves searching for the next great thing. This may be in the form of a purchase, such as a house, the latest fashion, or a car, etc.
Perhaps it’s to do with something we want to experience. Is it a holiday, competing in a marathon, or riding in a hot air balloon? Possibly we investigate hobbies hoping to fine the right fit. We may try something creative like singing, music, writing etc. Or perhaps something more practical like gardening, or nuanced model trains and woodwork. Are we driven by ambition to achieve a goal, such as a completing a masters degree, finding our dream job, or retirement.
These desires can be superficial and breed a performance mentality. We may experience a sense of failure if we don’t master the task, gain the job, or finish the marathon. They can provide a sense of accomplishment and yet, the joy we feel is fleeting. We quickly become bored and another passion succeeds the last.
I’m not saying we shouldn’t aspire to own a home or drive a car or have a good job. Nor that hobbies or holidays are evil. However, if we are lurching from one thirst to another we must stop and examine what is happening. Are we trying to fill a a spiritual need for connection with God with material possessions, status or pleasure? If this is true, we will never be satisfied.
For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things.
Psalm 107:9 (ESV)
The hunger we experience for communion with our creator is real. It can only be fulfilled by spending time with Him. It is not difficult. God is not disinterested in us. He is not distant. God is continually offering a deep and intimate relationship to us:
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.
Revelation 3:20 (NIV)
We must open that door. It’s easier than we think. He is always available. We lean in 5% and He give 200%. God is just that good! And He loves us and wants to give us good things:
Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4
Generally, ungodly desires can be broken down into greed, status and immorality. Sometimes, it’s an urge to control others. Therefore, if we examine our wants through this lens, we can winnow out the things that will not fulfill us.
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.
James 1:17 (NKJV)
We can pray and ask God what He is thinking. He always has something to say. We will find that by spending time with God, our desires change from worldly desires to Kingdom desires. We can fellowship with others and be generous with others of our time and resources. We can praise and worship and we can read our bible.
I hope this post encourages you to put Jesus first and to love Him unreservedly. I’d love to hear how God has provided the desires of your heart. You can comment and subscribe below so you don’t miss any posts. Alternatively, you can email me directly at Jesus4Generations.com@gmail.com. God bless you!
Sources:
Jesus 4 Generations 
Leave a comment