Notes From the Pastor's Desk
January 5, 2025
A Satisfied People
Read Deut. 33:23. The possession of Naphtali included nearly the whole west coast of the Sea of Galilee, the Lake of Merom, the modern Bahr el Hulch, and the well watered district near the springs of Jordan. It contained some of the grandest scenery and some of the most fertile land in Palestine. Josephus speaks of the shore of Gennesaret as “an earthly paradise;” and Porter describes it as “the garden of Palestine.” The modern name for this district, “land of good tidings,” is significant. It is said that Naphtali was “satisfied with favor…” There are certain areas in which God's people can be fully satisfied.
I. Satisfied In Drought
Look at Isa. 58:11 and Jer. 31:12. It seems that more and more churches are becoming dry. Many go through the motions, but the church is dry due to no spiritual moisture from heaven. A “drought” speaks of a time of extremely dry weather. If anyone wants God to satisfy his or her soul, God will come to us in the time of dryness and give us water from great depths (Ps. 78:15).
III. Satisfied With His Goodness
Think about Jer. 31:1 and Psalm 103:5. There should be no question in our minds about the goodness of the Lord toward us. Any questioning of that fact would indicate the presence and the working of Satan and his cohorts. God is even good to us when trials and troubles come. He is always working for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Rom. 8:28). His goodness toward us is clearly seen in daily life.
IV. Satisfied With The Fulness Of His House
Consider Ps. 36:8 and Ps. 63:5. Though the grace filled soul desires more of God, it will never desire more than God. God has a fulness to which there is no comparison (Eph. 5:18). In God, who is all sufficient, there is enough for every believer. See Phil. 4:18.
V. Satisfied When We Awake With His Likeness
Ps. 17:15. God made our spirits long for something only He can fulfill. He speaks of God restoring the soul to His image that was lost by the fall (Gen. 3).