If you had to pick, which side of this fence are you on?
A: I’m seldom satisfied. I always want more. Or,
B: I’m usually satisfied. I appreciate what I have and I’m thankful my needs are met.
The side you’re on can have a big effect on your life. Let’s think about it.
Right now we’re all feeling the pinch of rising prices for our basic needs: groceries, gas, housing, healthcare… Many people are choosing to cut back on unnecessary spending or delay purchases until they see what’s ahead. It’s a good time to take inventory of what truly brings satisfaction to our lives vs. stuff that’s mostly a mirage.
Our culture, the media, marketing, and socials feed us constant messages about more, More, MORE! It’s easy to take the bait and wade into the water to try something we think we’re missing… then go a little farther out and get more… then be swept away by the river to a place we didn’t want to go, wondering what happened to our wallet or our values. Plus, we’re still unsatisfied.
SPOILER ALERT! Always wanting more things will never satisfy you. In fact, it can make you miserable.
Isn’t it interesting to see how people who have a ridiculous amount of money spend it? Some buy huge houses, expensive cars and toys, couture clothes and jewelry. Then after a while, they spend another round on a bigger house, newer toys, more clothes and jewelry – and whatever else they think will make them happy. But does it? If it did, they’d stop spending and just and enjoy what they have.
Others invest their money and are good stewards of what they’ve been given. They realize they have more than they need and share it instead. They aren’t fueled by greed, they’re motivated to give generously because they can.
Can you see which side of the fence even wealthy people can choose to be on? It’s more about character, isn’t it?
Now let’s come back to Earth where the rest of us live. It’s the same principle, even though we have less “play money” to work with. Spending lots on expensive beauty care products, collecting stuff, hoarding anything, or harming yourself to get bigger and bigger muscles without stopping are examples that something’s out of balance.
So where can we find more satisfaction? We can start with smaller moments that bring us peace and joy inside. Here are some things to try:
• Cook yourself a healthy breakfast and slow down to enjoy it. Start your day being thankful to God for the day He’s given you.
• Go outside and sit for a while. Listen to the birds sing while you feel the warm sunshine, or sit outside at night and look up at the stars.
• Get away from your screens and go for a walk or a bike ride. Notice how good it feels to move and get your energy pumping again.
• Do something nice for someone else. Send an actual, physical card or hand write a letter to someone you love, miss, or who needs a bit of encouragement.
• Connect in real time. Have a coffee or lunch with someone you’ve been meaning to reach out to. Make dinner and invite someone over.
• Be friends with more people. We need each other these days. We always have, but somehow we’ve forgotten how much.
In the Bible, Hebrews 13:5 (NLT) says to trust God instead of money or things.
“Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, ‘I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.”
Jesus Himself promises believers that God will provide everything we need if we follow His instructions in the Gospel of Matthew 6:31-33 (NLT):
“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your Heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.”
RESET HIGHER: If you’ve been on the “seldom satisfied” side of the fence has what you’ve been chasing brought you peace and contentment? Do you feel good inside about it? Challenge yourself to think differently about what satisfies you and make some changes today.
