People basically live to be happy and find satisfaction in life. God would have us seek more than mere happiness and satisfaction, but a deeper sense of fulfillment; being filled with His joy and sense of being completed in Him. Such begins by living in the fear of the LORD; desiring to be found totally pleasing to God.
“The fear of the LORD leads to life, and he who has it will abide in satisfaction; He will not be visited with evil” (Proverbs 19:23).
RELEVANCE
Solomon experienced the joys of success and shame of falling short of God’s best. God gave him the wisdom he asked for to rule the people, but he yielded to his weakness and sold his heart out for carnal pleasure. He learned real satisfaction is not found in material things or carnal pleasures—things he called vanity; but comes from the bountiful grace of God’s goodness.
“The backslider in heart will be filled with his own ways, but a good man will be satisfied from above” (Proverbs 14:14).
“He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; nor he who loves abundance, with increase. This also is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 5:10).
REFLECT AND RELATE
What brings you satisfaction?
What brings you pleasure?
What brings you joy?
Write down the difference in your answers.
REFERENCES
Joel 2:18-30