Beloved and Fellow Warriors for Christ,
“Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and you labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food.” (Is 55:1-2, ESV)
It was revealed again to me that the trouble I have gotten myself into is caused by one simple thing – I sought something other than Jesus Christ to satisfy me (idolatry). If I have complicated things in my life, gotten into debt, or made poor decision; it is because my spirit and soul (including intellect and emotions) longed for water and food, and I sought it at the wrong place. It is like going to McDonalds looking for filet mignon. You can search and search, but you will never find a filet at McDonalds.
We have to constantly remind ourselves that only by, through, and for Christ Jesus can we truly find satisfaction and joy. This isn’t just something we say to pump ourselves up during worship services. This is something we must say when we are planning to purchase something, make a career change, make a move, make a choice, or any decision for that matter.
Over the years, like many, I have had opportunities to pursue new careers and go to new cities to live. I tell you this, I thank God I said no. For those opportunities may have been wonderful, but my motivations, if I would have taken those things was anything but wonderful. You see, if I would have bitten at those apples, it would have become sour in my mouth. Why? Because “seek ye first the Kingdom of God” (Matt 6:33 KJV). It is not only important to make the right decision. It is also important to have the right motivation and walk with a satisfied heart.
Isaiah 55:1-2 taught me something else that is wonderful. How do I know I am not seeking the Lord or coming to him to be satisfied? The answer for me is, when I am looking everywhere else but to Him (Jesus Christ). I think the answer for me maybe the answer for many. I look back even to the foolish financial decisions I made. I can easily track it back to trying to satisfy myself in the pool of financial security, status, or physical comfort. The problem with those things is that you are always left with a bill.
It is not so in the Kingdom of God, Isaiah 53:2-3 “Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and you labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live…”
Verse 3 teaches us that we must hear and do (James 1:2) to be satisfied and live. Often if you find yourself stagnating in life. Going no where, wondering why, struggling, could it be because you heard but turned away? For it certainly does mean just that, God’s word is true. If we pursue him, if we turn to him, if we hear and come to him, we will never go hungry (unsatisfied). A feeling of malaise or dissatisfaction about your life is a sure sign that you are eating and drinking at the wrong place.
Abandon in Christ,
Pastor Beau
