June 22, 2020
When Satisfaction Evades Me
Gwen Smith
Today’s Truth
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. (Revelations 21:4)
Friend to Friend
When my children were little, they watched the same VHS tapes over and over and over. Classics like Big Trucks, Little Bear, and Arthur. Fun shows like Veggie Tales and an adventurous video series featuring first-responders called Rescue Heroes.
One of their favorite Christian videos featured a guy called the Donut Man. He taught Bible stories and used simple songs to point kids to the Lord. While holding a donut in his hand, he’d sing the theme song each time that went something like this. “Life without Jesus is like a Donut... ‘cause there’s a hole in the middle of your heart.” Then at the end of the tune he’d stick a munchkin-like circle donut in the middle of the regular donut to fill the gap.
It was rockstar Mick Jagger who emphatically sang, “I can’t get no satisfaction.” Though he tried, and he tried, and he tried, really tried lots of different things of the world, our buddy Mick was still left longing. Hungry for more. Thirsty for peace. Wanting the hole in his heart to be filled. Just like the Donut Man talked about.
The truth is we all have a hole in our heart. A hole that we try to fill with things like: accomplishment, shopping, sex, eating, comparing, decorating or gossiping. Sometimes even good works. But we still feel anxiety. We still ache with loneliness. We question our purpose.
Yet, God stands ready to meet us in the center of every tension.
In my heart, I’ve known Him to whisper, “Gwen, be still. I’m right here. And I am what your heart is longing for.”
There's a day coming when all our longings will be satisfied.
A day when heaven and earth are made new.
Psalm 87 is an ancient Hebrew song that speaks of this future time and can be a confusing read without context. It references a time after Christ returns when, for those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of Life, all earthly desires will be satisfied in Jesus as He rules eternally in Zion, the holy mountain of God in Jerusalem. (Revelation 21:10-27)
1 He has founded his city on the holy mountain.
2 The Lord loves the gates of Zion
more than all the other dwellings of Jacob.
3 Glorious things are said of you, city of God:
4 “I will record Rahab and Babylon
among those who acknowledge me—
Philistia too, and Tyre, along with Cush—
and will say, ‘This one was born in Zion.’”
5 Indeed, of Zion it will be said,
“This one and that one were born in her,
and the Most High himself will establish her.”
6 The Lord will write in the register of the peoples:
“This one was born in Zion.”
7 As they make music they will sing,
“All my fountains are in you.”
(Psalm 87)
When Jesus returns and the earth is made new, there will be no more holes in our hearts.
Frustrations, tensions and strivings will cease.
Joy will be complete.
Our souls will be fully content.
There will be no more sorrow, death, mourning or crying. The Lord will wipe every tear from the eyes of His people. (Revelations 21:4)
Jesus will be the peace to end all restlessness.
10,000 years and then forevermore. Yes, and amen.
Let’s Pray
Holy Father, Let my joy be found in You today. Meet me in the center of my longings and be my Portion. Help me know and embrace the grace and peace You died for me to know, Lord.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
Now It’s Your Turn
Read Revelations 21.
What's your personal take away from this message?
More from the Girlfriends
If you want to read and study the Bible, but don’t know where to start, this is for you! Girlfriends in God cofounder Gwen Smith has created a FREE 5-Day Psalm Challenge that will guide you on a personal journey with the Lord as you read, record, reflect on and respond to His Word.
PS. Have you listened to the GRACEOLOGIE with Gwen Smith podcast yet? Hang out with Gwen and friends for fun, faith-focused, grace-filled conversations as you commute to work, go on walks, exercise, fold laundry, run errands or travel.
Originally published Monday, 22 June 2020.
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