I can't get no satisfaction...

Recently, I remembered the old rock tune, "I Can't Get No Satisfaction."  And you know what happened then; it got me to thinking...

Abraham Lincoln once said, "Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be."  Given the times he lived in, that was quite a statement.  Nevertheless, I believe that he was right, after all.  Happiness, in general, doesn't happen, it's made.  And it's made from all the various threads in the weaving of our lives.  When happiness eludes you, consider where you are looking for it.  Whether it's in relationships, your job/career, or just 'stuff,' whatever fills the void in your life will never be enough when you're looking in the wrong places for the wrong reasons.  The only satisfaction will be temporal at best.

It's like pouring water through a strainer.  If you pour really fast, you can fill it for about 1/2 a second.  No wonder Jesus used water to demonstrate this point!  According to John, chapter 4, the account is written concerning this matter.  There are a couple of points I want you to notice here.

To begin with, verse four tells us that "..he must needs go through Samaria."  That lets me know that the Lord has a need to interact with us in our daily lives, but it only makes a difference if we pay attention to what He is saying.  It's interesting that we can find him here at all.  Historically, the Jewish people hated the Samaritans, and the feeling was mutual...an Old Testament 'Hatfields and McCoys' on a national level. (see verse 9)  When the Samaritan woman mentions this, Jesus simply executes His plan.  The ensuing dialogue is a split-level conversation.  The woman can't get past the physical reality of the situation, while Christ deals with us on a spiritual plane.  He asks for a drink of water.  She says, "You don't even have a bucket!"  And that opened the door!

What He says next is classic truth...it's the bedrock for the foundation of understanding God in our lives.  He said, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that asked you for a drink, you would have asked him for a drink of living water. And he would have given it to you."  But, she's still not in touch.  The conversation continues as He speaks of Living Water, explaining that everything else in life will leave you thirsty.  And there it is!  The reason we "can't get no satisfaction."

Anything, ANYTHING, A-N-Y-T-H-I-N-G other than Christ himself in our lives, will leave us feeling empty.  It will never be enough, no matter what it is.  He is the source of true life and the happiness in it.  When we are wrapped up in Him, everything else falls into place.  When we are drinking at His well, we are filled and satisfied. Nothing can steal our peace or joy.

So, dear one, come away with me to the well of living waters.  Spend some time in the shade of that oasis just talking with your friend, Jesus.  He felt the need to come your way today, why not tarry with Him until you are satisfied again!