Satisfied: Pleased or content with what has been experienced or received.(Merriam-Webster dictionary)

How many of us are satisfied with life right now? Satisfied with the way the world is today? Satisfied with the events of 2020? Do I hear hysterical laughter?

Many of us are far from satisfied. In fact, we feel attacked by an enemy that in most cases is unseen and difficult to avoid. Or an enemy that is a neighbor, friend, or even family member who has a different viewpoint from ours. Words can get heated. Feelings get hurt. There is no satisfaction in having irreconcilable differences with those we love or are close to.

In Psalm 17, the psalmist goes through a difficult time and cries out to God. He is oppressed and surrounded by enemies. (Verse 9) He says, “With their mouths they speak proudly.” (Psalm 17:10 NKJV) Can’t we almost hear the voices of today, from both sides of an issue, vying to be heard and not listening to anyone else?

The psalmist begs God to, “Hide me under the shadow of Your wings.” (Psalms 17:8.) How many times do we wish there was a place to hide, a place of safety away from all the fighting, the trauma, the virus, etc. A place where we could be at peace.

Instead, each new month seems to bring more difficulty. We can feel overwhelmed with all the information and misinformation. “They have now surrounded us in our steps; they have set their eyes, crouching down to the earth, as a lion is eager to tear his prey, and like a young lion lurking in secret places.” (Psalm 17:11-12)

Being satisfied is the last thing most of us feel right now. We face the uncertainty of losing jobs or losing homes. Parents are scrambling to figure out what to do about school because homeschooling, while wonderful for some, can be a burden if you work outside the home. 

The psalmist asks God to intervene in his trials, and we can do that too. Sometimes, we worry too much instead of putting God first and waiting to see what He will do. Because, God sees the big picture. He knows what will happen. He sees when the conflict or the virus will be resolved. None of this is a surprise to him.

That’s why we’re told, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Our understanding only sees the conflict in front of us. Our understanding doesn’t see where we will end up next month or next year. When we acknowledge God and let Him direct our path, we can rest in that trust, knowing He has our best interests at heart.

The psalmist ends with, “As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness.” (Psalm 17:15) 

The idea of resting and trusting so that we can wake up in the likeness of God is so comforting. This world’s troubles are temporary although they don’t feel that way at the time. Still, God’s got this.

Trust Him. Rest in Him. Let Him lead.

And be satisfied in Him.