We Believe He's All We Need

“And the LORD will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.” Isaiah 58:11

I’ve never been the kind of person to find value in how many likes I get on Instagram or favorites I get on Twitter… Never—until now.

I see others who are “more successful” in the social media world than I am, and I feel incompetent—not good enough.

I think that if I tweet something clever or post an artsy photo, I’ll receive more satisfaction and love and attention.

God created us to be desired and wanted, but we will never find that fulfillment in the number of double taps or retweets we receive. How, then, can we get the love, satisfaction, and attention that we need?

One word. Jesus.

Jesus is the One who satisfies us in the desert, who walks alongside of us to guide us. He’s the One who died a cruel death for us.

We know these truths, we even go so far as to say we believe these truths, but many times our desire to be desired gets in the way.

But think about it: if the all-knowing God made us with the desire to be loved and cared for, He wouldn’t leave us stranded. He would provide a way to fulfill our needs.

Only He can satisfy.

So next time you think you can’t measure up, things aren’t going your way, or you don’t feel cared for, remember to run to Christ because He satisfies.

We Believe He Loves Us

“To know God is not only to realize He is love—it’s to experience His love.”

The Bible is filled with verses stating that God is love, but in this famine-filled, depression-driven, illness-guided world, how can we fully experience God and His love for us?

Last year I was experiencing a difficult situation. I was confused and felt trapped. Recently, I looked back through my prayer journal. I see how God has answered my prayers and brought me through that time.

If God were not a loving God, would He be faithful to us?

“I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.” Isaiah 31:3

Think of a difficulty you have gone through.

How was Christ’s love evident?

Many times, I’ve been bombarded with thoughts straights from the devil. Doubts, lies, fears. But every time I call, God rescues me!

If God were not a loving God, would He rescue us?

“Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will protect me from the anger of my enemies. You reach out your hand, and the power of your right hand saves me.” Psalm 138:7

I was in my sin—dying and alone. I was continuously heading down the wide path leading to death. But He picked me up. He saved me. He died so I could live!

If God were not a loving God, would He die for us?

“For God made Christ, who never sinned, to become sin itself, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” 2 Corinthians 5:21

We experience His love every day. Whether we choose to acknowledge His love or not is the question.

Take a moment to pray and ask God to open your eyes so that you can experience His love.

He Satisfies

I've been wired in such a way where I desire deep talks—meaningful, purpose-filled situations.

Today, I was expecting those kind of talks when I hung out with my friends. I had planned in my mind that our conversations would be deep spiritual talks. 

It was far from what I desired.

We had small talk and threw rocks around at the lake.

When I got home, I was drained. They were supposed to fill me up! They were supposed to give me joy! They were supposed to satisfy me. Right?

I ran up to my room, and I knelt beside my bed and prayed. Why wasn't I content? 

Like he always does, God met me there at my point of need. 

His presence was what I needed! He knew that I needed him, and he soaked me in His presence. I could rest in Him because only He can satisfy. 

Praise God that He is the only One that satisfies! He is the only One! While people change and different situations arise, He is constant!

Fill up with His presence then you will overflow with His goodness! 

Take the Challenge

I'm slightly introverted, so I get refreshed when I'm alone. When I'm refreshed, I'm in a good attitude & others appreciate a good attitude instead of a snobby, annoying attitude. I believe I'm doing people good when I'm alone. 

And there's a time & a place for everything, but in Hebrews 10:24-25, it says to not neglect meeting together. It's a command—to meet together as Christians & encourage one another. 

This summer, I'm challenged (& it's very much a challenge for me) to meet together with believers & encourage one another when it's so easy to be by myself.

For those of you who find it easy to be around people & constantly meet together, what if you took it to the next level & instead of it just being a time to hang out, it was an intentional time to encourage each other in the Lord?

We each are called to a higher level spiritually. Take the next step up.

Just Listen

Another quick thought: for whatever you may be facing—joys inexpressible or sorrow and stress—just simply listen to what God has to say.

"Now I will take the load from your shoulders; I will free your hands from their heavy tasks. You cried to me in trouble, and I saved you; I answered out of the thundercloud and tested your faith when there was no water at Meribah." Psalm 81:6-7

"Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it with good things." Psalm 81:10b

For the Hebrews the stomach represented emotion. The mouth lead to the stomach.

When we open our mouth, we give God access to our emotions; when we give Him our emotions, He promises to give us good things.

Quick Thought

Sometimes, as a writer, I want each entry to be long and exciting, like a well-written book. But sometimes, I just need to share the short, quick, but meaningful insights God has given me. Here's one, with many more to come. :)

"You will not need to fight this battle. Stand firm, hold you position, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid and not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the LORD will be with you." 2 Chronicles 20:17

God tells us that we don't need to fight the battles we face. We only wear ourselves out because He has already won the battles for us. Lean on Him because He promises to be with us.

Thankfulness as a Sacrifice

I would like to share something God's been laying on my heart lately. 

In my quiet time a couple weeks ago, I was reading through Ephesians and read Eph. 5:4 which says that we are to not let any foolishness or filthiness or even crude joking come out of you mouth but instead, let there be thankfulness.

That thought really stuck with me, and I tried to replace unnecessary words with thankfulness.

Only a couple days ago in my quiet time, I read Psalm 50. 

It's God talking and saying that while, yes, offering animals sacrifices is okay, God desires thankfulness. 

He says to make thankfulness your sacrifice to Him... then when you call of Him in times of trouble, He will rescue you.

Psalm 50:23 says, "But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me. If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God."

Through the good times and the bad times, the way we can worship Him—the way we can glorify our totally worthy God—is by daily giving thanks to Him for all He has done.