Finding True Satisfaction in Jesus Alone

 

Summary

In today's reflection, I want to address a concern that often arises for those who have been part of the church for a long time. It's easy for church life to become about something other than Jesus Himself. Many of us grew up in Christian homes, surrounded by doctrines and gatherings, and sometimes we come to church seeking solutions for personal issues like marriage or happiness. While building relationships and finding community in church is valuable, we must not lose sight of the true treasure—Jesus Christ.

The essence of our faith is not just about believing in doctrines or attending services; it's about being captivated by the person of Jesus. Our joy and hope should be rooted in Him, not in the things of this world. As the old hymn "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" beautifully puts it, when we focus on Him, the things of Earth grow strangely dim. This transformation happens not because we force ourselves to love worldly things less, but because we become so enamored with Jesus that everything else pales in comparison.

Psalm 90:14 reminds us to be satisfied every morning with God's steadfast love. This satisfaction is not a fleeting feeling but a deep, abiding joy that comes from knowing the Creator of the universe loves us unconditionally. In contrast, Psalm 17 describes those who find their satisfaction in worldly things like family and wealth. While these are blessings, they should not be our ultimate source of fulfillment. Our true satisfaction comes from beholding God's face and being in His presence.

Psalm 73:25-26 further emphasizes this point, declaring that there is nothing on Earth we should desire besides God. Our relationship with Jesus should be so profound that we look forward to heaven not just for the absence of pain or the reunion with loved ones, but primarily because Jesus is there. This is the distinctive mark of a believer—finding ultimate satisfaction and joy in Christ alone, regardless of life's circumstances.

Key Takeaways:

- Church life can sometimes distract us from the true treasure, which is Jesus Himself. It's crucial to focus on Him rather than just the doctrines or community aspects of church life. [01:47]

- Our joy and satisfaction should be rooted in Jesus, not in the things of this world. When we truly see Jesus for who He is, worldly obsessions lose their appeal. [03:20]

- Psalm 90:14 teaches us to be satisfied every morning with God's steadfast love, which provides a deep and abiding joy that transcends circumstances. [04:26]

- While family and wealth are blessings, they should not be our ultimate source of fulfillment. True satisfaction comes from being in God's presence and beholding His face. [05:36]

- Our relationship with Jesus should be so profound that we look forward to heaven primarily because He is there, not just for the absence of pain or reunion with loved ones. [08:06]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:11] - Church Beyond Belief Systems
[00:36] - Seeking Fulfillment in Church
[01:10] - Building Relationships in Church
[01:27] - Jesus as Our True Treasure
[02:01] - Obsession with Jesus
[02:20] - "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus"
[03:00] - Worldly Obsessions Fading
[03:43] - Satisfaction in God's Love
[05:00] - Contrast with Unbelievers
[06:10] - Family and Worldly Satisfaction
[07:19] - Beholding God's Face
[08:06] - Desire for Heaven
[09:18] - Anticipation of Seeing Jesus
[09:53] - Satisfaction in Christ's Love

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Psalm 90:14
- Psalm 17:13-15
- Psalm 73:25-26

#### Observation Questions
1. According to Psalm 90:14, what is the source of our satisfaction and joy each morning?
2. In Psalm 17:13-15, how does the psalmist contrast the satisfaction of the wicked with his own?
3. What does Psalm 73:25-26 reveal about the psalmist's desires and priorities?
4. How does the sermon describe the potential distractions within church life that can lead us away from focusing on Jesus? [00:11]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to be "satisfied every morning with God's steadfast love" as mentioned in Psalm 90:14, and how does this relate to the sermon’s message about finding joy in Jesus? [04:26]
2. How does the psalmist's declaration in Psalm 73:25-26 challenge common worldly desires, and what implications does this have for believers today?
3. The sermon mentions that worldly obsessions fade when we truly see Jesus for who He is. How does this transformation occur according to the sermon? [03:20]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that our relationship with Jesus should influence our anticipation of heaven? [08:06]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current church involvement. Are there aspects of church life that have become distractions from focusing on Jesus? How can you realign your focus? [00:11]
2. Psalm 90:14 speaks of being satisfied with God's love each morning. What practical steps can you take to start your day with this mindset?
3. Consider the blessings in your life, such as family and wealth. How can you ensure these do not become your ultimate source of fulfillment, as warned in Psalm 17? [06:10]
4. The sermon emphasizes being captivated by Jesus. What specific practices or habits can you incorporate into your life to deepen your relationship with Him? [02:01]
5. How does the idea of looking forward to heaven because Jesus is there, rather than just for the absence of pain, change your perspective on eternal life? [08:06]
6. Identify one worldly obsession that has lost its appeal since you started focusing more on Jesus. How can you continue to nurture this transformation? [03:00]
7. Think about a time when you sought satisfaction in something other than God. What did you learn from that experience, and how can it guide your future choices?

Devotional

Day 1: Rediscovering the True Treasure

In the hustle and bustle of church life, it's easy to become distracted by activities, doctrines, and community events, losing sight of the true treasure—Jesus Christ. Many people attend church seeking solutions for personal issues, such as marriage or happiness, and while these are important, they should not overshadow the central focus of our faith. The essence of Christianity is not merely about adhering to doctrines or participating in church activities; it is about being captivated by the person of Jesus. Our joy and hope should be deeply rooted in Him, not in the transient things of this world. As we turn our eyes upon Jesus, the allure of worldly distractions fades away, and we find ourselves drawn to the beauty and majesty of Christ. [01:47]

Colossians 3:1-2 (ESV): "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."

Reflection: What are some specific distractions in your church life that have taken your focus away from Jesus? How can you intentionally redirect your attention to Him this week?


Day 2: Rooted in Eternal Joy

Our joy and satisfaction should be firmly anchored in Jesus, not in the fleeting pleasures of this world. When we truly see Jesus for who He is, the obsessions and desires of the world lose their appeal. This transformation is not about forcing ourselves to love worldly things less but about becoming so enamored with Jesus that everything else pales in comparison. The hymn "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" captures this beautifully, reminding us that when we focus on Him, the things of Earth grow strangely dim. This shift in perspective allows us to experience a joy that transcends circumstances and is rooted in the eternal. [03:20]

1 Peter 1:8-9 (ESV): "Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls."

Reflection: Identify one worldly obsession that has been consuming your thoughts. How can you shift your focus to find joy and satisfaction in Jesus instead?


Day 3: Morning Satisfaction in God's Love

Psalm 90:14 encourages us to be satisfied every morning with God's steadfast love, which provides a deep and abiding joy that transcends life's circumstances. This satisfaction is not a fleeting feeling but a profound contentment that comes from knowing the Creator of the universe loves us unconditionally. In contrast, those who seek satisfaction in worldly things, such as family and wealth, may find temporary happiness but not lasting fulfillment. Our true satisfaction comes from being in God's presence and beholding His face, where we find a love that never fails. [04:26]

Lamentations 3:22-24 (ESV): "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 'The Lord is my portion,' says my soul, 'therefore I will hope in him.'"

Reflection: How can you start each day by focusing on God's steadfast love? What morning routine can you establish to remind yourself of His unfailing love?


Day 4: Beyond Earthly Blessings

While family and wealth are blessings, they should not be our ultimate source of fulfillment. True satisfaction comes from being in God's presence and beholding His face. Psalm 17 contrasts those who find their satisfaction in worldly things with those who seek fulfillment in God. As believers, our relationship with Jesus should be so profound that we look forward to heaven not just for the absence of pain or the reunion with loved ones, but primarily because Jesus is there. This perspective shifts our focus from earthly blessings to the eternal joy found in Christ alone. [05:36]

Psalm 16:11 (ESV): "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."

Reflection: In what ways have you been relying on earthly blessings for fulfillment? How can you cultivate a deeper desire for God's presence in your life?


Day 5: Anticipating Heaven with Jesus

Our relationship with Jesus should be so profound that we anticipate heaven primarily because He is there, not just for the absence of pain or the reunion with loved ones. Psalm 73:25-26 emphasizes that there is nothing on Earth we should desire besides God. This is the distinctive mark of a believer—finding ultimate satisfaction and joy in Christ alone, regardless of life's circumstances. As we grow in our relationship with Jesus, our longing for heaven becomes centered on being with Him, experiencing the fullness of His love and glory. [08:06]

Revelation 21:3-4 (ESV): "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.'"

Reflection: How does the promise of being with Jesus in heaven shape your perspective on current challenges? What steps can you take to deepen your relationship with Him today?

Quotes

Church can become about something other than the person of Jesus. Sometimes it's just a belief system that you grew up in. You happen to grow up in a Christian home and so you're raised with these doctrines and you go to these gatherings. Others of you maybe there's something lacking in your life. [00:00:15]

When Justin was sharing on Easter and he was just talking about Christ like the person of Jesus being our treasure and that not fading but it's he himself being our treasure like this is what our excitement our hope everything is found in him this person. [00:01:21]

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus look full in his wonderful face and the things of Earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace. I love that song Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus look full in his wonderful face and the things of Earth they grow strangely dim. [00:02:12]

When you get it when you realize the treasure that you have in this person of Jesus you're like wow this other stuff that I was pursuing that I was obsessed with it just I don't know why it doesn't thrill me anymore ever since I started seeing Jesus for who he is. [00:03:13]

Psalm 90 verse 14 says this satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love that we may rejoice and be glad all our days satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love this is this is the idea is every morning you wake up and you're satisfied. [00:03:49]

Psalm 17 starting in verse 13 he's talking about the unbelievers those who don't believe in God who don't follow and it says arise oh Lord confront him subdue him deliver my soul from the wicked by your sword from Men by your hand oh Lord from Men of the world. [00:04:57]

As for me I Shall Behold your face in righteousness when I awake I shall be satisfied with your likeness can you get that he he's he's contrasting people of the world and this is why I go some of you maybe you don't get it because sometimes in church we can almost idolize family. [00:05:36]

The idea is he's saying you know it's the people in the world that go that's all I need my family is my life my family is everything to me and and what he's saying and I've heard Believers say that like wait that's not very biblical your family is everything to you. [00:06:17]

Whom have I in heaven but you and there's nothing on Earth that I desire besides you my flesh and my heart May Fail but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever whom have I in why are we looking forward to heaven the psalmist says I'm looking forward because you're there. [00:07:37]

A lot of times we can think about all this stuff oh I can't wait till there's just no more death I don't have to worry about sickness I don't have to worry about getting older everything's going wrong my knee hurts my back hurts my this this this this and and that's not what the psalmist is saying. [00:08:13]

I can't wait to see you I can't wait to thank you for like to your face for everything you've done for me it's a person do you get this see this is this is how we are supposed to be different from everyone else out there it's like no matter what happens. [00:09:38]

I can wake up every morning and be satisfied in the love of Christ. [00:10:01]

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Transcript
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