Satisfying Our Longing

Some of the most blessed people in God’s house are blind to their blessings. What a shame. They do not discern the great things the Father has given them — and so they do not enjoy them fully. Part of the reason may be the destructive habit of comparison.

You may look around in the Body of Christ and see other Christians who appear to be more talented and blessed. Some have memorized entire books of the Bible while others can preach or teach or sing. The devil wants you to compare yourself to others so you will say, “Poor me. I don’t have the brainpower to memorize God’s Word and I certainly can’t put together a sermon. I just don’t have any of the gifts my brothers and sisters have.”

Beloved, Jesus says, “You are blessed!” He did not say, “Blessed are the strong, the happy, the self-sufficient, the forceful, the greatly gifted.” But in that beautiful portion of Scripture commonly referred to as “The Beatitudes,” he mentions the poor in spirit; those who mourn; the meek; those who hunger and thirst for righteousness; the merciful; the pure in heart; the peacemakers; and those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake (see Matthew 5:3-10). He was saying, “You are blessed because my strength rests in your weakness. Because you trust in me, I can use you.” 

God knows all about human nature. Let’s look at Abraham for a moment. God knew he would have great joy when he received the promise of his son. Abraham could say, “He did it! God promised me a son and he kept his word.” Yet God also knew that Abraham would not be totally fulfilled when the child came. He would still have a restless, inner hunger, an inexplicable need that no human could touch.

Isn’t this what happens to us when we finally get the thing we have wanted so badly? We are most blessed when we understand that only the Lord himself can fully satisfy our deepest needs.