The fear of the Lord leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm.
- Proverbs 19:23
Are you satisfied? I mean, are you truly satisfied?
If you’re thinking about your circumstances or your environment when trying to determine the answer to this question, your answer is probably no.
The source of our fulfillment determines the entire course of our lives. Temporary things that we say, do, or buy cannot lead us to life and happiness. Fearing God doesn’t mean nothing “bad” by our standards will ever happen to us: rather, it means that whatever happens will not shake our trust in and obedience to God. Fearing God places our calling over comfort.
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
-Philippians 2:12-13
Sure, we can be satisfied by drinking a good latte, relaxing with a friend, or hearing our favorite song; but our dependence cannot be on any of those things as they will all be stripped away from us one day.
Does God’s calling satisfy you? Are you living out that calling?
In Christ alone my hope is found,
Tom Fogarty
