Our world is a battlefield. A war, fierce and tactical, rages around us at all times. It is not, however, a fight for land or political power, but one for our souls. The Devil operates with an intense yearning for our hearts, attempting to ensnare us through cunningly disguised temptations. It is Satan’s greatest desire for us to reject our loving Lord and choose him and his deceptions. This battle is waged in many areas of our life, but especially in where we look for our satisfaction.
We tend to fix our eyes horizontally, examining only the world around us in a desperate search for satisfaction. It might not even be a conscious, intentional action, but it is perhaps still there. Maybe it’s our social life. We are confident in the lie that we tell ourselves day after day that if I was just a little bit more popular, or if I fit into that friend group, then life would be good. Maybe we seek fulfillment academically. If I am just able to get a high grade on that exam, or be accepted into my first choice college, then I will be happy. Maybe we look to the amount of likes on a picture we posted, a number on the scale, finding a spouse, or the sum of money in our bank account to receive fulfillment. The list goes on and on.
Of course, some of these desires are not necessarily incorrect in and of themselves. It is, however, wrong to place our trust fully, or even partially, in them. Seeking God, plus something on the side (you fill in the blank) to reach satisfaction is never right. Not only is it sinful, but it will not provide the true and lasting satisfaction for which we ache.
The reason that we find no fulfillment in any of those “ideals,” is that they were simply not made to satisfy us. We live in an imperfect, fallen, and broken world. It is illogical even to expect that an imperfect person or a temporary object could bring lasting and perfect joy. The fulfillment for which we so urgently seek is found solely in Christ, the eternal fountain of joy and peace. He is lasting. He is perfect. He is our complete satisfaction!
In living out this truth, the believer discovers tremendous freedom. No longer do circumstances control our joy—Christ is our joy! Our happiness doesn’t come from a career, or friends, or anything else. I find my delight in my wonderful Heavenly Father, who loves me in all eternity. The words of Psalm 16: 8, 9, and 11 ring beautifully true. “I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope… Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”
“I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope…Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”
Psalm 16:8-9,11
Leah Decker
Young Calvinists 