Why you’ll never be satisfied with what this life has to offer
Ashley Dannelly
No one is easily satisfied. Moments, people, and activities can bring us joy, but no one is wholly and eternally satisfied by these things. And the truth is, God did this by design.
God has put eternity into man’s heart (Ecclesiastes 3:11). We are uniquely wired to ponder eternity and grapple with the truth that there is something more to life than our time on Earth.
With so much in our hearts, minds, and souls pointing us toward eternity, it makes sense that we can only find satisfaction in the One who created us. Nothing on this earth — no matter how enticing it may be — will be enough. But God offers us full and eternal satisfaction.
A Spiritual Thirst Needs a Spiritual Solution
Psalm 16:11 tells us, “in [God’s] presence there is fullness of joy; at [His] right hand there are pleasures forevermore.” We were made to seek something more than this life to fulfill us and bring us everlasting joy. We have a spiritual thirst that cannot be quenched by anything but Jesus.
Drinking water only temporarily quenches our physical thirst, but Jesus says, “whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never thirst again” (John 4:13-14). This water will ultimately “become in [us] a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
We can spend our whole lives filling our bank accounts, perfecting our appearances, and building our reputations. But when we seek to quench our spiritual thirst with something other than a relationship with Jesus, we will eventually find ourselves frustrated, burnt out, and dying of thirst.
What Are You Filling Up On?
Genesis 1:27 says we were created in the image of God. As creatures made by God and in His likeness, every single person who walks on the earth — Christians and non-Christians alike — will live forever.
We are destined to spend eternity either with Jesus or apart from Him. That’s one reason Jesus tells us to show the His to everyone we meet (John 13:35). The next time you get irritated with a coworker or too rushed to talk to the cashier, remember: Arguments and appointments will pass, but the person in front you will live forever. Your kindness at that moment could start a conversation that changes their eternity.
Arguments and appointments will pass, but the person in front you will live forever.
The best news about all of this is the good news itself. Jesus’ death and resurrection paid for our sins, and in God’s incredible grace we have “crossed over from death to life” (John 5:24).
If you are a Christian, but you feel like you’re seeking satisfaction in something other than Jesus, pray and talk to Him. As you ask Him to fill you with His Holy Spirit and guide you into newness of life, He will meet you where you are and do just that (Matthew 7:7-11).
If you are not a Christian, consider what you’re expecting to fill you up. Does it quench your spiritual thirst? Does it bring eternal life? Does it promise eternal satisfaction?
Seeking satisfaction somewhere other than God’s presence will always lead to disappointment. King Solomon, the author of Ecclesiastes, had all the knowledge, wealth, and prestige a man could imagine. When it came to life experiences, Solomon had seen and done it all. And as he neared the end of his life, Solomon had one word to describe what the world has to offer — meaningless.
“I have seen all the things that are done under the sun, and have found them all to be futile, a pursuit of the wind” (Ecclesiastes 1:14).
Only Jesus gives us a life filled with meaning and purpose. If you’re ready to put your faith in Jesus, we can help. Learn more about salvation and connect with someone on your campus here.