“Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food.” (Isaiah 55:2, ESV)
In June 1965, an English rock band named “The Rolling Stones,” released a hit song titled, “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction.” It was quite a controversial song since its lyrics referred to sexual frustration. However, the song also pointed out the inability of commercialism to satisfy the needs of people. The refrain goes like this.
I can’t get no satisfaction
I can’t get no satisfaction
‘Cause I try and I try and I try and I try
I can’t get no, I can’t get no
This is the cry of the ages. People try to get satisfaction through the things the world has to offer, but never achieve true lasting fulfillment.
In this passage of Isaiah, the Lord explains the dilemma of man. Men seek satisfaction in the wrong place. People spend their money on all kind of things, a new car, a boat, a dream vacation, entertainment systems, etc. Yet none of this brings lasting satisfaction.
Moreover, people labor to find satisfaction. Some work over 60 hours a week in high stress jobs thinking that climbing the corporate ladder will bring satisfaction. Others work at hobbies and sports thinking that this will bring satisfaction. Some seek sexuality as a means of satisfaction. Others abuse substances and food to be satisfied. Others work at a social life and parties for their satisfaction. Yet all of these labors end in frustration.
The verse in Isaiah tells us the way of true satisfaction. It says we should delight ourselves in the right food. We should eat that which is good. What does the Lord mean by this? We see it in the subsequent verses of Isaiah 55. In verse 3 He says to “Incline your ear and come to me; hear, that your soul may live.” In verses 8 and 9 we see that the thoughts of God are infinitely higher than our thoughts. In verse 11 the Lord says that His word is powerful and accomplishes His glorious purposes. We find the key in verse 6.
“Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near.”
Yes, the only source of true satisfaction is the Lord. Thus, this involves seeking Him in His word, the Bible. The Psalmist stated that the word of the Lord was “sweeter than honey” (Psalm 119:103).
Jeremiah recorded the Lord’s words in giving us the key to a satisfied life.
“You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13, ESV)
We will find true satisfaction in our deep abiding relationship with the Lord. While Lord clearly saved us by His grace alone and never leaves us or forsakes us, we have a responsibility to seek this deeper relationship with Him. When we are seeking Him with a whole heart, we experience a satisfaction that the world does not comprehend.
Therefore, when you feel discontented, frustrated, dissatisfied, do what I do. Examine your life to see if you are seeking the Lord with all your heart. When find that you are not, repent and seek Him. What does it mean to seek the Lord with a whole heart? This means full devotion. Reject the things that keep you from prayer, the Bible, gathering with other believers, and worship, and readjust the priorities of your time. Spend time in the Bible, time in prayer, and gather with others believers.
I know that we preachers often sound like a broken record on this, but I speak from personal experience. I too become frustrated with things on occasion. I have found that in every occasion the problem has to do with what I am seeking for satisfaction. “Seek the Lord while He may be found,” and you will find the satisfaction for which you look.
Renewing the Heart 