Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
Psalm 90:14, ESV
[The LORD] satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things.
Psalm 107:9
"You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you."
Augustine, Confessions
"Nothing but Christ can give man satisfaction."
John Flavel, The Method of Grace in Gospel Redemption
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What satisfies you, believer? Scratch that. What in life attempts to dethrone the Lord in your heart, confidently asserting there is greater satisfaction apart from Him? Is it not daily warfare to resist loving the world and the things within it (1 John 2:15-17)? Is it not difficult at times to maintain that the Lord is and does good (Psalm 119:68)? Let me invite you to return to the Psalms for a moment. They are replete with language of satisfaction and hope. A quick retreat to reunite what is divided in your heart may be just the thing to help you grow, flourish, and endure in your faith until you see your Maker face to face (1 John 3:2).
English translations of the Psalms typically use the words "abundance" and "fullness" to conceptualize satisfaction. There are also many instances of shooting straight and using "satisfied" itself to get the point across. Whatever the term, most uses emphasize God as the source of satisfaction. Some Psalms depict all of creation as satisfied with God's handiwork, thereby attesting to the greatness of his power (Ps 104:13, 16, 28). There are also Psalms that prove the greatness of God's mercy in keeping covenant with his own (Ps 105:40)-a foundational tenet of their satisfaction. God also satisfies by supplying provisions-especially among the afflicted (Ps 22:26, 37:19; 132:15; 145:16; 147:14).
There are a handful of passages that I believe will directly infuse life into a weary heart. Take time to read them slowly, even considering the surrounding contexts. Above all, be sure to read them contemplatively.
Psalm 16:11 - You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 17:15 - As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness.
Psalm 63:5 - My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips.
Psalm 65:4 - Blessed is the one you choose and bring near, to dwell in your courts! We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house, the holiness of your temple!
Psalm 90:14 - Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
Psalm 91:16 - With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.
Psalm 103:5 - who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
Psalm 107:9 - For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things.
Collectively, these passages emphasize at least four devotional truths:
1. Timing. Satisfaction in God will be fully realized in His presence (Ps 16:11; 17:15). Until then, we can expect tribulation (Mt 16:33) as we anticipate glory (2 Cor 4:17).
When are you expecting full satisfaction? What does the Bible guarantee?
2. Teaching. In the flavor of Psalm 42 (speaking to one's soul), Psalm 63:5 is a declaration of confident reception of satisfaction.
What are you saying to your soul about satisfaction?
3. Thanksgiving. We are those who have been brought near by Christ's blood (Eph 2:19). We must be satisfied with holiness, not broken cisterns (Ps 65:4; Jer 2:12-13).
We have the affectionate gaze of Almighty God (Ps 90:14)!
We have eternal life ("long life" or "length of days") and the surety of full deliverance from indwelling sin and a corrupt world (Ps 91:16).
We have abundant provisions to endure hardship (Ps 103:5).
How are you laboring to express gratitude to God for these things?
4. Trusting. Who satisfies the longing soul? God does! God alone does! He is the answer. It's not just that we have glorious resources in our glorious God; it's a matter of having the glorious God of all glorious things!
In what or whom is your trust placed? Is God himself your satisfaction? Is He enough?
"Jesus, I am Resting, Resting" is a hymn written by Jean Sophia Piggot in 1876. (Her brother, William Federick Piggott, was a missionary to China. His work with Hudson Taylor and martyrdom during the Boxer Rebellion is certainly worth studying.) Let her lyrics remind you of the truth of God's Word and fortify your heart's resolve to only be satisfied in God and His Christ-bought, Spirit-applied provisions.
Jesus, I am Resting, Resting
Jesus, I am resting, resting
in the joy of what Thou art;
I am finding out the greatness
of Thy loving heart.
Thou hast bid me gaze upon Thee,
as Thy beauty fills my soul,
for by Thy transforming power,
Thou hast made me whole.
O, how great Thy lovingkindness,
vaster, broader than the sea!
O, how marvelous Thy goodness,
lavished all on me!
Yes, I rest in Thee, Beloved,
know what wealth of grace is Thine,
know Thy certainty of promise,
and have made it mine.
Simply trusting Thee, Lord Jesus,
I behold Thee as Thou art,
and Thy love, so pure, so changeless,
satisfies my heart.
Satisfies its deepest longings,
Meets, supplies its ev'ry need,
compasseth me round with blessings;
Thine is love indeed!
Ever lift Thy face upon me
as I work and wait for Thee;
Resting 'neath Thy smile, Lord Jesus,
earth's dark shadows flee.
Brightness of my Father's glory,
sunshine of my Father's face,
keep me ever trusting, resting,
fill me with Thy grace.