Special Feature
How often have you thought: when you get this, buy that, reach this goal, or have this much money, you will be happy and satisfied? With determination, you do whatever it takes to get what you want. You later discover the satisfaction gained from these acquisitions is temporary.
Before you know it, you pursue the next opportunity or person to fill the emptiness. True meaning in life comes from delighting in the One who can satisfy your deepest longings- Jesus Christ. He alone gives true purpose and provides lasting fulfillment. When you do things for attention and receive acceptance from others, it may provide a sense of fulfillment. Similar feelings may come from marrying the man of your dreams, donating many hours to community work, or watching your child’s classmates devour your homemade cookies. However, endeavors that create happiness, popularity, or status in the community provide the illusion of ultimate fulfillment. Involvement in these worthwhile activities paints a distorted picture of enduring gratification.
Fulfillment Defined. Biblical inner peace, contentment, and satisfaction are indicators of true fulfillment. Feelings that result from striving to please and measure up to others’ expectations fade. Infinite inner peace is the realization you are loved and accepted by God. Continued contentment is knowing you have value without adding material things or achievements. Sustained satisfaction is knowing you are living for a higher and eternal purpose. There is security in knowing you are complete in Christ and can be yourself. Most people long to feel that their presence matters and that they have value.
Fulfillment Discovered. You are on the path to fulfillment when you no longer feel compelled to keep up with others or follow the latest fads. Releasing yourself from the relentless pursuit of doing more, buying more, and achieving more, leads to real contentment. Authentic contentment is found in learning to walk in obedience to Christ while you extend love and support to others. Christ loves you and can fill your hollow soul with Himself. He makes life complete and desires your company. Genuine fulfillment happens when there is an ongoing dependence on and communion with God. When your soul’s appetite yearns for Christ, you will have complete nourishment and no longer feel deficient. Psalm 107:9 (ESV) states, “For He satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul He fills with good things.”
Christ alone satisfies the emptiness in your soul. He is enough!
-Vanessa M. Jones
Vice President & Co-founder of Biblical Marriage Institute
@biblicalmarriageinstitute
