When we think about the things of this world that people look to for satisfaction that leave them feeling empty, we often think of possessions or accomplishments. We forget that looking to other people for satisfaction and meaning will also lead us down a path of disappointment. You see, even the approval of people will leave us feeling empty and unfulfilled. There is only one worth looking to for satisfaction and contentment, and that is Christ and Christ alone.
We learn in 1st Kings 11 that in his quest for satisfaction, Solomon turned to relationships, only to find himself unsatisfied and unfulfilled. Like his other quests for meaning and satisfaction from the things in this world, this quest for satisfaction from relationships also left him still searching. Although renowned for His wisdom, he strayed from his wisdom and made unwise decisions, particularly in relationships. 1st Kings 11 tells us that Solomon turned to foreign women who did not follow God and married them. These women turned “his heart away from the Lord” (verse 3). They “turned his heart to worship other gods instead of being completely faithful to the Lord His God” (verse 4). As a result, God ultimately tore away the kingdom from Solomon's son after his death, dividing it into two separate kingdoms. This division affected not only Solomon’s line but also everyone in the nation of Israel.
Solomon learned the hard way that contentment cannot be found in people. Even the most well-meaning people let us down. They will let us down. Christ, on the other hand, will never let us down. He will always be faithful, and He will always satisfy our hearts. That is why the Psalmist of Psalm 118 wrote, “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in people” (verse 8). Then, He took it a step further and said, “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes” (verse 9). When we trust in people, we will wind up empty. When we trust in God, we will never be let down.
Have you been looking to other people to provide contentment and satisfaction? Shift your gaze back to God. People will fail you; God never will. God will always fill the deep longing in our hearts. Look to Him today!
Is there any person you have been looking to for satisfaction? It is time to take them off the metaphorical pedestal we have placed them on, remembering that even the most well-meaning cannot satisfy us. No human being can satisfy us. Only God can truly satisfy and fulfill our longing hearts. Confess to God anyone whom you have looked to find meaning apart from Him and commit to looking to Him and Him alone to satisfy.
“God, as I reflect on the truth that You will never let me down, I praise You for…”
1Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. 3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.
So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. 6 Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. 7 You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. 8 But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. 9 Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. 10 Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. 11 In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.
12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. 17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.
18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting for those who belong to the Lord.
19 Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly.
20 Children, always obey your parents, for this pleases the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged.
22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything you do. Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. Serve them sincerely because of your reverent fear of the Lord. 23 Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. 24 Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. 25 But if you do what is wrong, you will be paid back for the wrong you have done. For God has no favorites.
