Satisfied

Tom Barnard

 

“Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love,

that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.”

(Psalm 90:14 ESV)

 

“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what

you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’”

(Hebrews 13:5 ESV)

 

The Apostle Paul had every reason to be satisfied with himself. In Philippians 3:4 he said, “If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so.” Then he proceeded to outline the ways in which he could claim “confidence in the flesh.”

 

• Circumcised the eighth day (customary for Jewish male infants)
• Of the tribe of Benjamin
• A Hebrew of the Hebrews
• Concerning the Law, a Pharisee
• Zealous in persecuting Christians (until his Damascus Road revelation)
• Concerning legalistic righteousness, blameless

 

As a young man, Paul studied under Rabbi Gamaliel—a rare opportunity for a Jewish male. Some believe that Paul also became a member of the Sanhedrin—probably at Tarsus, his home town. All of these things occurred before his Damascus Road experience. In Philippians 3:7 Paul said, “But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.”

 

What made the difference with Paul was his discovery of the most precious thing a person can experience in life—a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Paul concluded his thoughts by saying, “I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord….” (3:8).

 

Was Paul satisfied? Not with his personal accomplishments, but with his choice of Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour—the most important decision one can make in life. 

 

Heavenly Father, it is so easy to desire success above satisfaction with who we are and whose we are. I want to be like Paul—I want the satisfaction that comes through a valid relationship with Jesus. All other goals will lead to disappointment and defeat. Lead me into that kind of relationship, I pray. In the Savior’s Name. Amen.