“My desires are often fixed,
caught, on illusions of fulfillment.” As I read this sentence in a SacredSpace devotional,
I realized how true it is.
The world offers us many illusions of fulfillment—a bursting-at-the-seams bank account, crowds of friends, the top dog position at our job, the envy-of-the-neighborhood house and car, dream vacations, an ever-youthful body, etc. And they are all just that—illusions.
Realistically, it is rare to accomplish those goals, and no one achieves them all. The real kicker is that even those who attain a few of these worldly measures do not find fulfillment in them. And the time and effort put into working towards reaching those ends robs us of true contentment and inner peace.
Where, then, can we find fulfillment? This same devotional suggested we pray asking God to orchestrate our desires in accordance with His will. God’s Word agrees: “Be concerned above everything else with the Kingdom of God and with what He requires of you, and He will provide you with all these other things.” (Matthew 6:33)
Psalm 37:4 tells us “Seek your happiness in the Lord, and He will give you your heart's desire.” When our heart’s desire is to be near to God, to please Him, to find happiness in Him, He will give us those very things—nearness to Him, pleasure in serving Him, joy in our relationship with Him. In other words, fulfillment!
Striving to meet worldly goals fills us with dissatisfaction, stress, and even fear. Jesus said, “My peace I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried or upset. Do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)
When our goals in life align with God’s desires for us, we will find fulfillment. To know God’s desires for us we need to seek God’s presence by spending time with Him in prayer asking Him to help us to be always aware of the important things in life, and contemplating on His Word and how He wants us to live out its truth in this world.
Be encouraged!
©2024 Pamela D. Williams.
