Finding Satisfaction

'Most people, if they have really learned to look into their own hearts, would know that they do want, and want acutely, something that cannot be had in this world. There are all sorts of things in this world that offer to give it to you, but they never quite keep their promise. The longings which arise in us when we first fall in love, or first think of some foreign country, or first take up some subject that excites us, are longings which no marriage, no travel, no learning, can really satisfy. I am not now speaking of what would be ordinarily called unsuccessful marriages, or holidays, or learned careers. I am speaking of the best possible ones. There was something we have grasped at, in that first moment of longing, which just fades away in the reality. I think everyone knows what I mean. The wife may be a good wife, and the hotels and scenery may have been excellent, and chemistry may be a very interesting job: but something has evaded us.'

These words were written by C. S. Lewis. They capture something that is too often missed. It is noteworthy that I found them quoted in Tim Keller's book Counterfeit Gods. The point is not that it is impossible to be satisfied. The point is about where one seeks it. Satisfaction will never be found in this fallen world. To look for it here is to become an idolater. To use the old language, it is to become 'worldly'. Satisfaction can only be found in Jesus and only in the age to come. We can be very content here, even joyous here; gifts of the Spirit. But satisfaction will need to wait. '​​​​​​​​Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!'