Satisfaction

<<happiness, approval, meeting our needs>>

It is the state of not desiring anything more or even an alternative. Am I satisfied with my present lot in life and material possessions or am I constantly striving for more? The Bible asks, “Why labour on what does not satisfy?” (Isa 55:2). If money controls your life

It is short-sighted to look elsewhere

you will never have enough (Eccl 5:10). The values of the world should not be dictating our degree of satisfaction; this should be the result of knowing we do God’s will. Dissatisfaction comes when we focus on what we don’t have, rather than on the multitude of blessings we do have. Count your blessings, not your desires!

Temptation, along with frustration and dissatisfaction, is a ploy of Satan to make you think something other than God will fulfill your inner longings. The Bible says, be satisfied with your wife, don’t entertain adulterous thoughts (Prov 5:18-20). If you are dissatisfied with something, are your thoughts and energy helping to improve or further erode the situation?

Satisfying selfish desires often takes advantage of others by not considering their rights or needs and will not provide long-term contentment or happiness. Instead the Bible exhorts us (with the motive of love and in service to God) to lay aside our rights and personal goals for the benefit and blessing of others (Isa 58:10,11; Phil 2:4; 1 Jn 3:16-18). Those living other-focused lives are often totally fulfilled and will eventually be eternally blessed (Mt 25:35-40; Mk 10:30).

Increasingly we find satisfaction in life when we recognise our true purpose is to reflect the glory of God in the unique ways He designed us to shine so we should make it our goal to live for Christ (Ps 119:175; Eccl 12:13; Mt 5:16; 1 Cor 10:31; 2 Cor 5:20). We do this by putting Him first, walking in obedience to Him and in righteousness doing what we consider Jesus would do in each situation

Only God can satisfy our deepest needs

(Deut 28:9; 1 Kgs 2:3; Ps 119:1-3, 128:1; Rom 12:1; Phil 1:27; 1 Thes 4:3,4; 1 Pet 2:24). Only God can fully satisfy the longings within and Jesus says if we truly partake of Him, we will be satisfied and not crave any other thing for "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they will be satisfied” (Ps 63:1-5, 107:9; Mt 5:6; Jn 4:14, 6:35, 7:37).

The Lord will satisfy our needs (not greed) if we seek to alleviate the plight of others and focus on His Kingdom, for He will fulfill the desires of those who fear Him (Ps 145:19; Mt 6:33).

Godly satisfaction is not to be confused with self-satisfaction. Godly satisfaction is the position of being pleased and grateful for God’s provision and work in our lives (1 Thes 5:18). Self-satisfaction is a form of pride, considering the pleasurable conditions we have are the result of our own efforts. We must not become so satisfied with this life that we disregard eternity or the necessity to prepare for a life in heaven before we die. Dissatisfaction is a discontentment with one's lot in life.