Encouragement for Today - June 9, 2011
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June 9, 2011
The Seduction of Satisfcation |
"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19 (NIV)
Temptation of any kind is Satan's invitation to get our needs met outside the will of God.
One of the subtle ways he does this is to plant the hesitant thought in our mind that God will not meet our needs — that God is not enough. Satan wants us to feel alone and abandoned, so that we turn to his offerings instead. It's the seduction of satisfaction.
Often the script that plays in our head is, "I need __________ so I can be satisfied."
It's what sends the wife on a budget off on a spending spree. She feels the thrill of the sale in the moment. But as she's hiding the bags from her husband, shame creeps in.
It's what pulls at the business woman to work harder and longer and refuse to build boundaries in her schedule. Always chasing that next accomplishment or that next compliment but it's never enough.
It's what sent me on many eating sprees. The kids were loud, the house was messy, the demands felt beyond my control. So with great justification I'd indulge only to have a bloated stomach and a deflated heart.
This subtle message sold to us by Satan can be exposed when we break it down to understanding the difference between a need and a want.
All of the examples above were wants — not needs. I won't patronize you with the definition of each of these words, we know them. But oh how Satan wants to make them one in the same.
When the difference between these two words starts getting skewed, we start compromising. We start justifying. And it sets us up to start getting our needs met outside the will of God. The abyss of discontentment invites us in and threatens to darken and distort everything in our world.
Listen, Satan is a liar. The more we fill ourselves with His distorted desires, the more empty we'll feel. That's true with each of the desires mentioned above. The more we overspend, overwork, or overeat — the more empty we feel. Remember, Satan wants to separate you from God's best plans. He wants to separate you from God's proper provision. He wants to separate you from God's peace.
God's provision sustains life. Satan's temptation drains life.
God's provision in the short term will reap blessings in the long term. Satan's temptation in the short term will reap heartache in the long term.
God's provision satisfies the soul. Satan's temptation gratifies the flesh.
Oh sweet sister, consider these realities when making choices today. God says, I will meet all your needs according to the riches of My Glory in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19). Trust God. Embrace truth. Live His promise.
Dear Lord, help me to focus only on Your provision in my life today. I don't want to be separated from You, Your best plans for me or Your peace. Help me to notice when the enemy is trying to entice me with false desires, because they only lead to emptiness. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Lysa will be speaking in more than 40 cities this year. Click here to see her schedule. She would be honored to meet you at her book table.
If this devotion resonated with you, don't miss Lysa's new book, Made to Crave. Also, you'll want to consider doing the 6 week Bible study using this DVD set: Made to Crave DVD by Lysa TerKeurst.
And the accompanying workbook: Made to Crave Participant's Guide.
You will also want to visit a new website at www.MadetoCrave.org for additional information on this project as well as fun freebies and encouraging videos to help you overcome struggles to find lasting peace.
She Makes It Look Easy by Marybeth Whalen. A novel for every woman who has looked at another woman's life and said, "I want what she has," She Makes It Look Easy reminds us of the danger of pedestals and the beauty of authentic friendship.
When you purchase resources through Proverbs 31 Ministries, you touch eternity because your purchase supports the many areas of hope-giving ministry we provide at no cost. We wish we could, but we simply can't compete with prices offered by huge online warehouses. Therefore, we are extremely grateful for each and every purchase you make with us. Thank you!
Application Steps:
All of the examples above were wants — not needs. When the difference between these two words starts getting skewed, we start compromising and justifying. Take some time to list some of your wants and your needs to help you determine if the difference between the two are getting skewed.
Reflections:
Have I grasped the concept that God's provision sustains life, reaps blessings in the long term and satisfies the soul?
Power Verses:
Isaiah 40:11, "He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young." (NIV)
John 10:11, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." (NIV)
© 2011 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org
