Always Wanting Moreနမူနာ

Not Enough Pleasure

“Boys and their toys.”

“Everybody’s working for the weekend.”

Have you ever heard that? Man, guys love to play.

We just have to get done what needs to get done so that we can get to what we want to do.

I think there’s a core belief here in the West that if we can just fill our lives with enough fun things to do, we will really be content.

So, we book more tee times and watch more sports. We buy more equipment, we go to more movies, we add more rooms on our houses.

To be clear, there is nothing wrong with enjoying the pleasures of this life. Paul says to Timothy, “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” (1 Timothy 6:17)

The problem comes when we believe that pleasure will bring us ultimate satisfaction. It just doesn’t. It’s why a new toy today must be replaced by a newer one tomorrow. It was never meant to provide us with true contentment.

Here’s my suggested antidote to this craving for pleasure:

Fasting.

Fasting is denying yourself the things that you naturally crave. Scripture primarily talks about fasting from food, but I believe the command can also be extrapolated to include other areas.

If you are a sports fan, consider fasting from watching for a week.

If you are a social media user, consider fasting from your device for a full day or two.

If you have a hobby taking up lots of your time, consider fasting from it for a season.

When we fast, we begin to discover that we can live with less than we thought. We don’t need as much stimuli. We don’t need as many toys. We don’t need the constant adrenaline rush or dopamine hit.

We can find true contentment in less. Christ is the true source of our satisfaction, and He will never let us down.

Prayer: Dear Lord, I’m tired of always wanting more. I’m worn out with striving for contentment in the things of this world. I am weary from seeking satisfaction in what was never meant to truly satisfy. Help me find satisfaction in You. You promised that You would satisfy me with Your unfailing love. Cleanse my palate of the things that I think will satisfy. Help me to hunger and thirst for You, for righteousness, because You promised that then I would really be filled. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Reflection: When you look at how you spend your time outside of work, what does that tell you about where you find satisfaction? When you look in your garage or your basement at the things you have, what do they tell you about your source of contentment? Is fasting a regular part of your life? What could you fast from in the next month that would help you find your real contentment in Jesus?