SATISFIED???

Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? —Isaiah 55:2

I saw on the evening news last week that this is the 45th anniversary of the release of the song “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” by the Rolling Stones. It was reported it’s opening five note guitar riff is one of the most famous in music history (like the opening four notes of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 in C Minor).

As I watched the report by Diane Sawyer, my mind went back to the mid 1960‘s and I wondered, “Why is this song still recognized after 45 years? Because Mick Jagger singing, “I try, and I try, and I try, and I try. I can’t get no satisfaction,” is the resounding lyrics sung in the hearts of many today. They try this, and they try that, but nothing seems to satisfy. As Solomon wrote, “The eye is not satisfied with seeing… He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity” (Eccl. 1:8; 5:20). The prophet Micah said, “Thou shalt eat, but not be satisfied” (Micah 6:14).

God asks, “Why do you spend money and labor for that which does not satisfy?” Only God can satisfy the longing of the human heart. “For he satisfieth the longing soul” (Ps. 107:9). “The fear of the Lord tented to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied” (Prov. 19:23). As the poet wrote:

The God-shaped void within our heart
Cannot be filled by treasure;
It’s only God who satisfies
In ways we cannot measure.

If something is missing in your life, remember that God is the only One who can fully and abundantly satisfy you.