Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – February 1, 2016
The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Isaiah 58:11
Emotional satisfaction comes from Christ—from a focus on His eternal satisfaction. My feelings of fulfillment will not rise any higher than my faith in Jesus to meet my every need. Of course there are emotional needs like love, laugher, security and companionship that close confidants can provide. But unless the backdrop of my emotional desires are based on my belief and dependence on God—then I will never be satisfied. Contentment is in Christ alone—period. Similar to my clothing trapping heat to warm my body, so the Spirit warms my soul. Emotional satisfaction comes from the warm security of the Spirit’s influence on my being.
Isaiah illustrates compelling imagery of a life suffering a spiritual drought, that can only be irrigated by the love of God. Sin and secular society scorch our soul with their dry and brittle influences, but the living water of Jesus brings life and longing for the Lord to quench our thirsty hearts. Imagine a luscious green garden laden with fruits and vegetables—likewise we feast on the fruit of soul satisfaction. Emotional fullness from our heavenly Father never stops flowing—never. The spigot of our Savior’s love is always turned on by faith in His persistent provision.
“Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days” (Psalm 90:14).
Do you feel dissatisfied and discontent? There can be a pride in what you have and an ego in what you want that keeps you from enjoying what the Lord has already given you in Jesus. A daily eulogy spoken over the world’s dead idols of affection speak life into what the Lord’s unfailing love can only provide you: peace and joy! Emotional satisfaction can be aloof and allusive, but in Christ it is close by and obtainable. Set the focus of your affections above in heaven, not below on earth. Make faith the queen bee of your hive of life and the emotional worker bees will follow. Feelings that follow faith create emotional heath and satisfaction.
Do not be afraid to share your fears with friends and family who love you. Emotional vulnerability can lead to emotional healing and wholeness. An awakened and open soul has much more capacity to love and be loved. Emotional satisfaction from secular remedies are hollow, but emotional satisfaction from spiritual solutions like worship—result in a grateful life. The Lord is your guide into your feelings. The Creator of your emotions understands and calms your fears. Seek your Savior Jesus to satisfy your emotional needs—His love never fails to bring comfort.
“May your unfailing love be my comfort” (Psalm 119:76).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I open my heart for Your love to heal and make me whole.
Application: What emotional needs do I have that need a spiritual solution? Whom can I trust to share what I feel for comfort and prayers?
Related Readings: Psalm 147:11; Isaiah 54:10; Jeremiah 31:3; Hosea 10:12; Luke 6:21
Post/Tweet this today: Make faith the queen bee of your hive of life and the emotional worker bees will follow. #WisdomHunters #emotionalsatisfaction
Worship Resource: 8 minute video – United Pursuit: Let It Happen
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emotional satisfaction feb 1, 2016
just wanted to drop a quick thank you note for this continued ministry that I have been following for many years but in particular for this wisdomhunters post which is so profound I simply could not go forward without writing you a thank you note today for same 2/2/2016 as you can see somedays my schedule to read is a little off but I still try not to miss any of them so THANKGODFORYOU
Dear Vivian,
Thank you so much for your kind comments. Please know that I will pass them along to Boyd and the rest of the Wisdom Hunter’s team. I know Boyd and the rest of the team will be blessed by your thoughtfulness.
We are grateful that you have been a part of our Wisdom Hunter’s family for a few years and we are thankful that the devotional, “Emotional Satisfaction” really “spoke to you”.
“Emotional Satisfaction” was a good reminder of the gift of Peace and Contentment that come with our faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior. Goodness, what more do we need?
Thank you Vivian, for taking precious time out of your day to write to us. We look forward to hearing from you again.
Believing and trusting~
Gwynne
“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.”
Philippians 4:12-13