Satisfied

Each year I go through the same exercise. I look back over the course of the previous year and think about the highlights and lowlights: the fun times with family and friends; the stressful and overwhelming times; the goals I accomplished; the goals I failed to meet; the answered prayers; the unanswered prayers, and so much more. And each year, I draft a new set of goals I want to meet and things I want to try for self-improvement. Things I think will help me “make it” and bring me happiness and fulfillment. 

I’m sure you’re doing the same . . . it’s New Year’s Resolution season!

This year amidst my reflections and goal setting, I was humbled and comforted by Psalm 107:9. 

“For he satisfieth the longing soul, and he filleth the hungry soul with goodness.”

I was humbled because nothing I do will satisfy my soul. No amount of money, no job, no professional or relationship status will satisfy my soul. No goal I set at the beginning of the year (and miraculously meet by the end!) will satisfy me eternally. Achievement of anything in my own power will only provide a false, temporary sense of happiness and fulfillment, only to be quickly replaced by new unfulfilled desires and wants. This verse is humbling because it completely breaks down my pride and self-righteousness. It is a reminder that anything I accomplish in my own power, while great for a moment, is insufficient to satisfy my soul eternally. Nothing I do in my own power is enough to make me better person, let alone a good person (Romans 3:10-12). 

Yet this verse brings me immense comfort as I am relieved of all pressure to satisfy my soul. Jesus alone satisfies my soul. Jesus understands and sympathizes with my pain, suffering, and struggles (Hebrews 4:15). Jesus willingly bore my sins and pain and I am completely healed by his wounds (Isaiah 53). Because Jesus fulfilled the law (Matthew 5:17), I do not need to do anything to be accepted, saved, or made whole. He did it all and has freed me from the weight of my sin and pressure of trying to be good and do better (Romans 8:1).

I am relieved of all pressure as I reflect and meditate on Psalm 107:9 and the year to come. I do not need to create a laundry list of goals to reach that will bring me fulfillment and, if unmet, cause me to feel defeated. While creating goals is a good practice and certainly not something to be discouraged, Psalm 107:9 reminds me that my ultimate focus should be to set my eyes on Jesus. 

May this be a sweet comfort to you as you begin the New Year. No matter how many goals you want to meet, not matter how overwhelmed you feel, all you need to do is pursue Jesus. He takes care of all the rest (Matthew 6:33) and fulfills your soul completely and eternally. May this fill your heart with peace in the New Year.