All things are wearisome, more than one can say. The eye never has enough of seeing, nor the ear its fill of hearing. Ecclesiastes 1:8
Things of the earth are never going to satisfy because we can never get enough of them. No matter how much we have there’s always something more we desire.
It’s the nature of addictions, to never be satisfied. The gambler only intends to have one bet, the alcoholic only intends to have one drink, the workaholic intends to finish at dusk. But it’s never enough because we aren’t fulfilled by temporal activities. Likewise, a new house, a new car, a new phone, only provide short-term enjoyment. The novelty is brief and we soon become accustomed to our new possessions. They don’t satisfy our deep longings for purpose, security or significance.
Jesus referred to our need for satisfaction as a thirst, he said, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them” (John 7:37-38).
Calling our needs a thirst makes sense. We drink regularly because we regularly become thirsty. Our bodies crave fluid like our soul crave fulfilment. God’s plan is for us to be satisfied in him. He alone can provide what our souls require.
Jesus said to the woman at the well: “Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:14).
Jesus was talking about our deep-seated longings. They require more than a quick fix. It means coming to God on his terms. Don’t set your heart on earthly pleasures, rather “seek your happiness in the Lord” (Psalm 37:4).
