Lasting Satisfaction

7 FEBRUARY

 

As for me, I will behold Thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with Thy likeness. Psalm 17:15

SUGGESTED FURTHER READING: Jeremiah 31:10-14

Some interpreters, with more subtlety than propriety, restrict the meaning of this verse to the resurrection at the last day. That supposes David did not expect to experience a blessed joy in his heart until the life to come. It also suspends every longing desire after it until attaining that life. I readily admit that the satisfaction David speaks of will not be perfect before the last coming of Christ, but as saints, we do find great enjoyment when God causes some rays of the knowledge of His love to enter into our hearts. David justly calls this peace or joy of the Holy Spirit satisfaction.

The ungodly may be at ease and have abundance, even to bursting, of good things, but their desire is insatiable. They feed upon wind or earthly things without tasting spiritual things, in which there is substance. Then they are stupefied through the pungent remorse of conscience that torments them so they cannot enjoy the good things they possess. They do not have composed and tranquil minds but are kept unhappy by inward passions that perplex and agitate them.

Only the grace of God can give us contentment and prevent us from being distracted by irregular desires.

Thus I have no doubt that David alludes in this verse to the empty joys of the world that only famish the soul while they sharpen and increase the appetite. That shows us that only those who seek felicity in the enjoyment of God alone partake of true and substantial happiness.

John Calvin

FOR MEDITATION: Satisfaction in God is the only true satisfaction that lasts. It is also the best antidote for worldliness. How can you cultivate such satisfaction today? This is the only way to find more joy in serving God and find worldliness less desirable.

365 Days With Calvin

Selected and Edited by Joel R. Beeke