Thursday February 10, 2011
Theme: Rethink: Desires
Weekend Music links on iTunes: All Over the World - Matt Redman, Happy Day - Tim Hughes, Lead Me to the Cross - Hillsong, I Will Follow - Chris Tomlind
Read: Psalm 37:1-9
Think: Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones had a hit song in the 70s that must have really hit a raw nerve in a lot of people: “I can’t get no satisfaction.” “Cause I try and I try and I try and I try;” Mick got it right, it’s often the story of our lives – can’t find no satisfaction; another name for that, frustration.
The Psalmist suggests that replacing frustration with satisfaction comes from trusting, doing good, making God our aim, and receiving. What do we receive? The best things, the true desires of our heart. Psalm 103:3-5 says: “Who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good as long as you live?”
So Mick can’t get no satisfaction, but the Psalmist has found lasting satisfaction in God.
It seems like the answer to no satisfaction is turning to what really satisfies. I love verse 4 in the reading: “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Can’t get no satisfaction? Focus on the Lord. Been trying and trying? Wait for Him.
I’ve noticed that when I used to eat junk food, that’s what I craved. I didn’t even like healthy things. It took time and effort to wean myself away from the junk. I like healthy food these days. It’s a lot more satisfying, really.
Delight yourself in the Lord means start choosing something really good , God – stop choosing the junk. Delight yourself in the Lord; find more real satisfaction.
Do: List one or two “junk foods” in your spiritual life that you’d like to replace with something healthy. What’s a way to make God the desire of your heart today?
Pray: Lord, I still find myself fretting and frustrated about this and that. I want to be delighted and satisfied by you instead. Lead me in that path as I trust in you today.
The eDevotional is written each week by a team of volunteers from Timberlake Church.