Creatures are not born with desires unless satisfaction for those desires exists. A baby feels hunger: well, there is such a thing as food. A duckling wants to swim: well, there is such a thing as water.
― C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity*
In today’s world, satisfaction seems rare. Most people are unsatisfied with their jobs, their marriages, their circumstances, and themselves. In the Bible, we receive satisfaction through a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. The Bible says that God is the source of all good things (Psalm 16:2) and that He will satisfy us in every situation.
And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. Isaiah 58:11
That being said, I feel we need to delve deeper into the subject. The dictionary defines satisfaction as the fulfilment of our wishes, expectations, or needs, or the pleasure derived from this. God designed us to fulfil our purpose and destiny. There is a joy that comes from that.
Each of us is uniquely made, our desires will be different and so will that which satisfies us. If we don't know what can satisfy us, we will think," of course, I should be happy, but I am not." If our goals are based mostly on society's norms and comparisons, we won't be satisfied. A new car will only make us happy for a while, then as time goes by, we tend to lose pleasure in it. Seeing somebody else's social media post may steal our bliss. We will think the grass is greener, the glass is fuller, and their lives are happier. Our comparisons will rob us of our life's satisfaction.
Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life. - Proverbs 13:12
Consider the following to bring us to better life satisfaction:
1.) Open your mind to new things- Try new experiences, list activities that interest you, and plan personal growth in those areas. There are so many free tutorials online, get on to them. Do something you can start immediately. Find a hobby, learn a skill, nurture your curiosity, and challenge your thinking.
2.) Have some short-term and long-term goals- A steady stream of accomplishments can improve our overall sense of being satisfied. Read a chapter of the Bible, do a crossword every day, or a ten-minute workout; anything that may seem minor but recognize this will help you. Give attention to what will provide you with a sense of triumph. And set in motion steps towards achieving it.
3.) Connect with old friends and make some new friends- Making connections is valuable for our own sake. People who shy away from relationships often struggle with loneliness, depression, distress, or unhealthy behaviour. We all have been hurt by others, but please don't let that stop you from making real connections. Studies show people in good social relationships are happier. So, take stock of your social scene and see how to improve it. I often say," it's the same distance from my house to your house as it is from your house to mine." Anyone can reach out and make that first contact. We all can make efforts for connection.
4.) Don't hold onto grievances- To become more satisfied, we need to begin by thinking about our attitude about ourselves and those around us. Blame, guilt, and toxicity should be given no place in our lives. Let us be less than eager to become hurt, offended, sad, or angry. Take steps to be free of emotional baggage. Bring to God’s light those darker areas of our lives; get help when needed. Choose to forgive as we have been forgiven, love as we have been loved by our God, and give no room for negative feelings. Also, practice gratitude and be a peacemaker.
5.) Realize wealth is not the answer- Being materialistic will never allow us to be satisfied. There is always something shinier around the corner that we will want. Money is only a tool; it will not automatically produce happiness.
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.- 1 Timothy 6:6-12
6.) Get away from comparisons- We need to let go of what other people think and take ownership of our story. Define our endgame. Don't value acknowledgment above your worth. Remember, no two journeys look alike.
There are so many ways to find satisfaction, but the key is to begin to seek it. Authentic satisfaction starts with a relationship with our Lord, never through people or possessions. Further to that, our passions and talents are God's signposts for destiny.
Make God the utmost delight and pleasure of your life, and he will provide for you what you desire the most. - Psalm 37:4 TPT
Remember, we are the chefs in the kitchen of our life, we can add whatever flavour we want to. Our desires and interests are important to God. Satisfaction happens when we uncover our real purpose, which will authentically witness the goodness of God through our lives.
So, spend time to really understand your desires, passions, and needs. As C.S Lewis said- satisfaction for those desires does exist. Take it to the Lord in prayer and set about how to achieve them. (Proverbs 16:1-3). Ask God and the wise people around you on how to achieve your goals. Be hopeful for yourself (Romans 5:5). Make a plan and start small. Everything may not change at once but enjoy the little changes. Then let your life be the satisfyingly flavourful offering God created you to be. God bless you.
My prayer for you:
May he grant you your heart's desire and fulfill all your plans! - Psalm 20:4
*Quote by C.S. Lewis: “Creatures are not born with desires .... https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/505370-creatures-are-not-born-with-desires-unless-satisfaction-for-those