It just seems that dissatisfaction, unhappiness, and pessimism are at epidemic proportions today. The people in our country and state are generally in a foul mood. Now I realize times are tough. I see the statistics of our unemployment rate. I know about our depressed housing market. I may be a bit bewildered over our current political situation. But wait a minute…as followers of Christ shouldn’t we be different?
Listen to what Jesus said. John 10:10 “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.”
Jesus said this to people who were basically slaves to an oppressive regime. They were occupied and governed by the mighty Roman Empire. Yet even in this oppressive environment, Jesus could still give them a life that truly satisfies. Jesus was trying to get people to understand that real satisfaction doesn’t come when the circumstances are favorable. That type of satisfaction is temporary and can end at any moment. He was teaching that there is a satisfaction that comes as a byproduct from intimacy with Him that no government, political climate, or bad economy can steal, kill, or destroy. That following Jesus allows us to live a life that transcends the temporal world and all it’s bad news and connects us to something eternal…something supernatural…something more powerful than this life. There is a a promise Jesus gives to those willing to follow Him. Jesus promises to satisfy you! He did not say; “Come follow Me and be miserable.” NO! He said, “Come follow Me and discover a life that truly satisfies.”
In light of all the bad news around us these days, where are you going to find your satisfaction in life? Will you finally be satisfied and fulfilled when you get that new job; that new house, make more money, when your political party wins, when the economy turns around? If this is the case, you might be waiting awhile. Jesus says that you can discover satisfaction today! It’s found in Him and there is no one who can steal it from you. May we be a people who despite the ugliness in this world shine as lights in the darkness because our satisfaction is found in a relationship that is more powerful than any force in this world. Don’t let this world steal from you a life that truly satisfies. Take Jesus up on His promise. It will be a decision you will never regret.
SATISFIED!
Pastor Dale
