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“Satisfy me in the morning with your unfailing love.” -Psalm 90:14
Satisfaction. We want it. We run after it. And yet, somehow it always seems to elude us. What’s our problem? What went wrong? I mean, we buy what the commercials tell us to buy. We’re caught up on Lost and American Idol. We see all the movies our friends tell us will change our lives. We flip through the magazines, we buy all the right clothes, listen to all the right music, we’ve got over a thousand friends on facebook, twitter, and a girlfriend/boyfriend who must be perfect because we met them on match.com, and yet, somehow that old nagging feeling just won’t go away. Why is that? Why did the Rolling Stones sing, “I can’t get no satisfaction?” Why did Brittany go crazy? Why did Tiger go running around with all those women? And why, if we’re honest, are we still tempted to do the very things we hate? Well, by no means do I think I can cure that unquenchable longing in our hearts with a simple journal entry, but I do think I might be able to shed some light on the subject.
First and foremost, we have to come to terms with the fact that we’re not home yet. I mean, do we know that? Do we consider that when the tv tells us what we need? Do we think about that when we start going down that road for pleasure that we swore we’d never get on? C.S. Lewis said, “If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.” Sometimes, I think we put way too much stock into this world. We have these amazing moments, we experience these unbelievable foretastes of glory, and so we think, “This is it! This is what I’ve been waiting for!” This game, this music, this romance, etc. We make the mistake of deifying the good things God has given us to enjoy, and end up doing terrible things for pleasure that we never thought we’d do. To quote Tim Keller, “We make the good things ultimate things,” and the irony is, that’s when we can’t really enjoy them at all.
This is a silly example but let’s say you eat a bowl of ice cream at dinner tonight, and it’s bar none, the most exquisite edible delight you’ve ever tasted. We’ll you’re now faced with two options, you can either simply thank God for the wonderful gift of dessert and go on with your day, or you can start to believe that this ice cream is the very thing you’ve been waiting for all your life. You think, somehow, this tasty treat will fill my soul with joy and rescue me from my discontentment. This creamy deliciousness was meant to save me from my misery. So you then go to fantastic lengths to secure yourself a lifetime supply of it. You buy truck loads of it, eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, only to die a month later from clogged arteries and horrendous brain freeze. Like I said, it’s silly, but this is in effect what we do with all sorts of things. Yeah, probably not ice cream but maybe a band, a friend, a team, a city, a tv show, a lover… We set all kinds of things and people up as our Saviour, and when they disappoint us, we don’t know where to turn. But here’s the deal. If we first understand that our soul is longing for far more than this world can offer then we can learn to expect and manage a certain level of discontentment in our soul, as we walk this earth. And yeah, that might sound depressing, but it’s also incredibly freeing. To quote Jon Foreman, “It was a beautiful letdown, the day I knew, that all the riches this world had to offer me, will never do.” You see, when your spouse or sports team or favorite food or music no longer has to be the thing that satisfies the deepest longing in your heart, you can actually enjoy them more. Suddenly, the pressure’s off.
Have you ever read the story in Genesis about Jacob and his two wives? It’s quite depressing and wonderfully relevant to what we’re thinking about here. If you haven’t read it, basically, this kid named Jacob is in trouble with his brother and father, so he runs away to his Uncle Laban. And when he gets there he falls in love with Laban’s daughter Rachel. So much so, that he makes this ridiculous offer of working seven years for her hand in marriage. Well, Laban recognizes right away that Jacob has a serious love infatuation and decides to cash in. Laban has another daughter named Leah, who’s “weak in the eyes,” which is a nice Biblical way of saying, “She was uuuugggglllllyyy!” And so, when the time comes for Jacob to marry Rachel, Laban, knowing he’s gonna have a hard time getting a guy to buy Leah off his hands, gives Jacob Leah instead. And I guess there must have been a lot of veils and wine involved, because the text says it wasn’t til the next morning that Jacob wakes up and “Behold! It was Leah!” Yeah, that’s disturbing huh? I mean, how did he not know that it was Leah? Well, we’re not exactly told, but we are shown something terribly intriguing. Later on in the story, Jacob ends up marrying Rachel too, and you see all sorts of pandemonium break loose. Jacob loves Rachel more than Leah, and so Leah starts naming her children things like, “Now my husband will see me” and crazy stuff like that. But you also see Rachel jealous of Leah because Leah can have kids and she can’t. So Rachel is giving her hand maid to Jacob to sleep with. You also see Laban running after Jacob because he wants to keep getting money from him, etc etc etc. Let’s just say, their family would make quite an entertaining Jerry Springer show. But here’s the deal. That phrase, that one single phrase, when Jacob wakes up after marrying the wrong sister, says so much. “And behold, it was Leah.”
You see, that isn’t just for Jacob, it’s for us. This is the disillusionment that we all live in. How could Jacob not know it was Leah? Because he was blind. Blind by what? Desire. Hmmmm. Sound like anyone you know? It sounds impossible that Jacob could not have known who he was marrying, but isn’t the same for us? We think this one person, this one thing, this one job, this one house or car or cell phone or whatever is going to finally do it. This will satisfy. And so we spend all our money on buying, wooing, and getting that one thing we have our heart set on, and when we finally win them or buy them or whatever; what happens? “And behold it was Leah.” I’ve always loved this David Wilcox song called, “Break in the Cup.” In the song he likens all of us to cups with cracks. Yeah yeah, ha ha, we all have cracks. I can almost hear the middle schoolers snickering in the back. In any case, he says that we all have a crack in the cup that holds love inside us, and no matter how much we try to get other people to fill us, the crack in our cup lets the love run out. I suppose we could call the crack sin, and the cup is our heart. Well, in the bridge, after trying desperately to get his cup filled and coming up empty he sings, “we cannot trade empty for empty, we must go to the waterfall, for there’s a break in the cup that holds love, inside us all.” Did you catch that? “We must go to the waterfall.” Sometimes, our relationships with other people are so miserable because we think they’re on this earth to make us happy. They need to fill our cup and make us feel complete, and when they can’t, we get angry. We get upset.
But how much more could we enjoy each other if instead of trying to get them to fill us we walked with each other toward the waterfall? Cause you know, not only do we have a crack in our cup that lets the love out, but we actually have a cup that’s too big for anyone or anything to fill. I liken it to a little grand canyon in our hearts, which yes, is ironic, because it’s a grand canyon and it’s little, but you know what I’m saying. We have this canyon inside us and it’s so big, that try as we may to throw facebook and myspace and twitter and Twilight and romance pebbles in there, it just won’t get full. Consider Augustine’s words with me for a moment. “Our hearts are made for Thee O God, and our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee.” Do you know that? Do you know that your heart is too big for this world? Have you rested in God as the source of your heart’s longing? Or are you still clinging to the lie that your soul is small enough to be satisfied by this world? Have you considered Moses’ prayer in Psalm 90, “Satisfy me in the morning with your unfailing love?” I love that prayer, because it shows us that Moses knew his own heart. He knew how much joy He was made for, and He knew that if He didn’t get God to come and pour into the canyon of his heart first thing in the morning, that he would go running after pebble like substitutes.
Satisfy me in the morning! In the morning! And then, and this is the hard part, if you don’t feel satisfied, don’t go running after substitutes. Just wait. Sit right there, content in your discontentment, and say to God, “Alright look. I don’t feel satisfied by you right now, but one thing I know, no matter what else I run to, it’s not gonna do it for me anyway, so I’m gonna wait for you. Teach me O Lord, to know deeply that I’m not home here, Teach me that all this world offers, and all the good things you’ve given us to enjoy, they may be good, but they’re not the ultimate. They’re not you. Only you can satisfy. “Taste and see the Lord is good. How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.” -Psalm 34:8
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Hi.
Yeah, the fact that I can not be satisfied in this life with earthly things is good and bad. It’s good because I know the truth. So I don’t waste time with material posessions. It’s bad because it feels like “What’s the point in trying here when I know I won’t be fulfilled until I’m with God?” Quite the dilemma. I struggle to make peace with these feelings and facts.
God’s Love…
I’ve been depressed for about 2 or 3 weeks now and I’ve gotta say that this post was the thing that killed my depression. It made me so happy this morning. All day I’ve been so happy. And all of my issues have basically started because I wasn’t looking to God for my satisfaction, and that even made me dissatisfied with my relationship with him. Thanks for giving me a new outlook! I really think this is going to help me find strength in Him.
Your words are amazing, with each chapter you're inspiring me more Mike!
GOD Bless You !
A great book to read on this subject is
The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment by Jeremiah Burroughs
God bless
Thanks so much for posting this. I’ve been slowly reading through all of your journals lately and I feel like I am learning a lot from them. :) This one was especially timely and an encouragement. And I love to read the inspiration and story behind these songs..it makes them so much more relevant and adds a lot of depth. And it proves that those songs are more than notes and words. Thanks so much for doing what you are doing! It does make a difference..
Just this morning i was living this that you are telling, feeling empty, trying everybody to fill me, since last night it hit me, i was like: whats wrong with everybody? why they dont satisfy me, incredible, i was looking for an answer, i try to pray but didnt know waht to say before God, then this morning everything was quite the same and as i started my day at work i thought i would like to hear some new music so i was thinking: whats the name of that band, i google it and got to hear your music, that song TIMES was awesome and then after hearing the music and readind the lyrics I started reading this…and then wow! i knew this was God answer to my untold question, and i knew that as s Father he wont let me in my mistake…thanks MIKE to share what you learn and let God use you
I’m only 15, so I’m still growing in my walk with Christ, your words always strengthen my faith. You’ve helped me be a better Christian I wish there were more people like you in this world. Thanks for spending your time on this Entry. God Bless and you’re in my prayers
-Much love from North Carolina
Hey Mike, I think you’re definitely right on. Man was born with a God-shaped hole in his heart, and no matter how hard we try, we aren’t going to be able to fill that hole with anything else other than HIM.
You have a unique view on today’s questions about God—keep doing what you’re doing!! God is definitely using you guys to reach teens all across the world!!
wow, this helped me allot! everyday i look for ways to fill up my cup with things other then God,like i will look at clothes and be like “i have to have this!” or i will look at movies and things and think i have to watch them,then when they clothes dont look right or the movie does not seem like its all that it was made out to be then i get let down.
it feels like no matter what i try to fill this void with it never works!
i ask God to please fill my life everyday yet i say it and dont fully mean it. i dont know what to do sometimes but i just turn to God and i know that he is all that i need but i still dont act like i know that!
i just need to know how to live that out!
if you could email me mike then i would love that, God has blessed you with a incredible gift to speak and i love that you are using this gift to share with other people.
Mike, I met you at the Meet and Greet before the show on Good Friday. I told you about how I converted from Judaism almost 7 years ago. I came to the show with my wife, and my brother and sister in-law (Becky, a friend of Jason’s).
As I said when we chatted briefly, I had just read this journal entry a few days earlier (I intend on reading all of them this week!), and it “slapped me upside my head.”
I have been searching for satisfaction for as long as I can remember. Even today, nothing seems good enough. Whether it’s the latest electronic gadget, cool tv, etc., nothing fills the void.
Jesus is all I need. I know that, tell myself that, and yet I don’t live it. I am so frustrated with myself.
Anyway, if possible, can you please drop me a note Mike? I’d really like to talk with you if that’s okay.
Thank you for writing these! A lot of times, when my friends and I get into disscussions or have questions, I can look at any of these entries and reference them. Thanks again! Hope you keep writing them!
sometimes we transform peoples lives with the words we speak. sometimes without realizing it we can influence those we don’t even know. you have done just that. thank you for your openness, for your commitment, and for impacting my life. though you say the ice cream example was silly, it was exactly what I needed and I completely understand what you’re saying. God bless you.
I just had to sit a while to compose my thoughts after reading this entry which was rather convicting.
For too long I have been dependent on the strength of my brothers and sisters in the Lord to carry me, whether it was at my workplace (it’s a Christian workplace, though there are some non-believers who work there) or the excitement of joining a new congregation (the congregation itself is new and closer to where I live) or listening to Christian songs on the internet (I live in Israel and understandably, there is no Christian radio here).
But none of these things can satisfy - not long term anyway; besides which these things in themselves don’t help my relationship with my Maker. Only a close relationship with the One who gave His life for me can keep me satisfied, anything else is like a balloon and can burst at any moment. God is forever faithful and only He can give us the love each and everyone of us needs.
Concerning God’s wrath - which is in the next entry - as one person (a brother in the Lord who taught at the congregation I recently left) called it: “the strange work of God”. It is not something He wants to do, but sometimes has to. He keeps calling and calling us tirelessly until we respond. Which is what He has been doing with me lately. He is so patient, Praise His Name.
Thank you God for sending Jesus to save me. To save all of us. I am so unworthy. None of us are worthy. We so need you. Our goal is to become more and more like You that the world may know You. Thank You for Your patience, Your love, Your compassion. You are so good and we are so ungrateful. But You give us a thankful spirit, to be able to thank You for the very limited amount of what we can see. The rest we will see when we come to be Home with you forever and ever. Amen
“This is the disillusionment that we all live in.
How could Jacob not know it was Leah?
Because he was blind.
Blind by what?
Desire.
Hmmmm”
e x a c t l y y .
wow. so truee.
awesome insight! makes me appreciate the song more. =]
I just referenced your blog at a men’s Bible study this morning on Tim Keller’s “Counterfeit Gods.” Great stuff! Thanks for sharing your insights!
Yea, it’s me. I was just rereading my comment - do I sound like a goober or what!?!??!??? Well I will say I am honest and sincere, and so glad I found you guys. God bless, Laurie S.
I long for the Lord to satisfy me each and everyday:) These worldly things are so tempting, I beleive that I just need to try a little harder to overcome my shortcomings. Listening to your song Hallelujah truly fills me with the spirit, thank you:) I hope and pray that you all sing it at the Nutter Center in Dayton, OH.
It’s me, the loooooooooong writer, please read this Mike (like you have so much time on your hands.) Thank you for the “Satisfy” Scripture, I just wrote a couple weeks ago I’ve been missing them! As always, right on bud. I do want to say that I’m older than some of the kids/teens that read these, but I do know you have “followers/fans” that are my age (40+young) and learn from what you say. You’re right with regards to being satisfied with things or wanting people and things to fill you up (your needs). I got that a couple years ago. One of the versus I love in the song is “that I just might go back to the things I hate”…. I admit, I’m afraid of that, so I read and pray every single day/moment/second. I read in Paul that it’s not the things of this world we need or that will satisfy us. Forgive me Lord and Mike, I may be wrong. I read as much as I can, I may be wrong. But once reading this, I went around my home saying: rubbish, rubbish, rubbish, I don’t need a flat screen; I don’t need this or that to satisfy me. It was a revelation; it was lovely that I got it, and so much more. You stated: “Have you rested in God as the source of your heart’s longing?” Yes man, I have and it’s so glorious and comforting. You had tweeted a couple items I printed, one was: “Oh God give me grace to remain content in my discontentment today” – did you read my mind that day dude?? Another was: “Oh the furious longing of God! Have you felt it?” I said out loud YEESSSS! What I want is Jesus. all I want is to be with him; however, I know my work here on earth is not complete. God put a calling in my heart a long time ago (I was a child), I knew what it was then and I’m finally acting on it now and I won’t leave this earth until it’s fulfilled. It’s working with underprivileged children (most importantly now, autism). I’m going back to school for my degree in child development. I thought I always wanted a man to “overwhelm me” or “take my breath away”, and that would satisfy me; I realized I already have Him, I have for so long, daaaaaaah. I do want to get married, I do want my man (pardon my candor); however that’s low on the priority list. God knows what’s in my heart, and it’ll be on His timetable, not mine. I once heard one of my favorite pastor’s say “When you stand before God, He’s not going to ask you “Did you keep everyone around you happy?”, He’s going to ask you, “Did you fulfill the call that I placed on your life?” Matthew 25:21 (NIV) His master replied, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come share your master’s happiness!” I love that.
I do want to say that one of the only shows I am (forgive me again) committed to is LOST. Howeva, it does not satisfy me, it drives me crazy. And being the “President” of the J&J LOST fan club at work doesn’t help either. I’m constantly bombarded with questions. Anywho, thank you Mike. Question for you, as you may not answer, but what do you think of all of us writing these comments to you? Take care of yourself, God bless you and your wife and your precious daughter. Laurie S.
hi mike Your words you write are a gift from God. I meet you in Birmingham Alabama. I had told you i had just went through a painful divorce and i didnt want it not at all. This was what was going through my head when i read what you wrote about Jacob and leah so very true. I asked my ex what would you do if Jesus told you at this very minute he didnt want you any more as tears from me were flowing down my face. He said my heart would be broken. I said that is how i feel right now. Thanks alot. I can remember going to church and going up to the choir in front of the church and singing my heart out to Jesus. Wondering GOd where are you at. Comming in contact with friends and people in the hallway. Thinking i am the only one feeling like this. Not satisfied at all , So much stuff would go through my mind . I came to learn one thing about being a christian its not about me. It’s about being satisfied in your heart. Knowing you have peace and God will protect you and love you where no one else will. I thank God for allowing me to go through my divorce now. I couldnt love him any more at this time as i do now. God has bigger plans for me. I live by Jeremiah 29:11 every day of my life.
The song you sang By your side. That has bought me through so much peace in the past months through my life. My son bought the bracelet where it has by your side on it from the concert. He gave it to me. That was so nice of him. I have gotten to testified to so many people about it. Praise God I just wanted to say Thank you God. For Tenth Avenue North your music from him is so satisfying. I will look forward to reading more blogs by you. :)
this is ever so true !! thanx for writing
this!! keep up the good work! :)
I’ve been having a hard few months. It got to the point yesterday that I started questioning God’s existence at all. I’ve been a child of God since i was 6, (now 19), and I scared myself with what I was saying, and how I was doubting my Makers love for me. I woke up this morning too a text from my little sister. It said “Times by Tenth Avenue North, Listen to it.” I had never heard of you guys before but I did listen and I realized just how wrong I was. He’s not forgotten me and I wanted to personally thank you and tell you how your music has affected my life.
You are such a blessing! Thank you for sharing your heart! AND THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ANSWERING YOUR CALL!
just exactly what i needed. yesterday after work i was feeling sad, almost depressed. i kept on telling God, “You are who You are no matter what” and still the sadness is there. issue is discontentment. you gave a name for what happened yesterday. thanks. and yes Glory to the Maker
This is amazing, seriously. I have been waiting for another one of these entrys forever and this is exactly what i needed to hear right now. Thank you for using the gifts God has given you, to encourage so many of us.
God is good.
Hey, Mike! This was a very eye-opening “sermon” !! I knew this already but to hear it again and the way you wrote it really makes sence!! Thanks so much for taking the time in your very busy schedule to share the nuggets of truth that God has laid on your heart!! Keep it up!!
The Lord is using you in so many ways, I’m a 16 year old girl who loves to praise teh Lord every chance I get. I have been singing for at least 13 to 14 years since I was 3, I’m a self taught musicain and when I sing I love to have someone come up to me and say that my song touched their life. I have read peoples messages online everyday but reading yours has really opened my eyes. I put my heart and soul in my music it’s my passion. I know that my music never satisfied my thirst for something more but then I found out it was because I was’nt following the Lord as he had wanted me to I was putting more of my time in my music then him, now its the opposite way. I have a feeling he will use me in amazing ways to serve him and bring more people to Christ.
God Bless you,
Alizabeth.
I so needed to hear/read that today. Thank you….I really struggle with giving God the first fruits of my day…not to mention that when I feel like after reading my Bible and spending time in prayer and I don’t get anything out of it…I just walk away. I totally needed that today. It’s so true that we should stay right where we are at and ask God to show us something in His Word or show us what it is in our lives that are blocking our relationship with Him.
Thank you. this has helped me a lot to today. Keep working in the will of God
Wow exactly what i needed to read…in my mind before i saw the link to this msg. on fb i was listening to revive’s new single blink…and i thought what has happened to my life? why am i not happy? And that’s when i thought how could i get closer to God? He’s so beautiful that he led me to read what he gave you…And here i am still in amazement on how he works!!! Love you guys God Bless:)
Thank you sooo much for posting this and for reminding me that ultimately, only God can satisfy me! Nothing else in the world will do. You guys truly inspire me; thanks for all that you do, and God bless!
In Christ,
Erin :-)
I loved this. Please keep praying and seeking God’s face, and fasting. Continue to make music, blogs, songs that are a reflection of Christ and His words.
Man what a blessing it is to here these words. I love the ice cream scenario. God had me click on the FB link because I needed to hear every word.
Thanks,
Mike
what a blessed message.. thanks for this inspiration…it helped me to think about relying on God’s promises.. You’re an awesome band…God Bless!
Oh and I think it is cool how you used Jacobs story, another story to show how we are blinded by our desire is samson’s. (Judges 16) He was blinded by delilah. A great story. God’s word is awesome.
He gave into her, by telling her where his strength lied, but notice at the end of the chapter, it said that his hair began to grow again.
We may give into these “desires” that bring temporary, or no satisfaction… but our foundation our “roots of our hair, strength or desire” are in Jesus Christ and He will cause our hair (our strength to be strong for Him) to grow again when we realize that it has nothing to do with us, but what He has done for us. What we can do to make His Holy name know!
He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved
Psalm 62:2
To God be the Glory!
It is so strange that you wrote on this topic, and that I read it today. God is so awesome.
I have been thinking on our corrupted disire a lot lately. Especially how NOTHING in this world can satisfy it, but yet we still go to things, people and places to satisfy. Even when we “know” they won’t. That’s the thing, do we KNOW that these things don’t satisfy? I think that God lets us expereience certain things so that little by little He can “prove” if you will, not that He has to, but just because He is SOOOO merciful, that He alone is more than anything we have ever or will EVER experience.
I am so glad that this is not my home, furthermore, I am so glad that Jesus showed me that nothing could satisfy me here. I want Him to be my only satifsfaction, because the very minute I look to something else to satify, I will only be let down. of course, I am human, and my mortality will try and try to be satisfied by temporary things that won’t last. But I hope in His mercy.
I love Paul’s honesty in Romans chapter 7:15. He recognizes that he has this sinful nature, which of course we all have. I hate to see people burdened down with what they used to do, or some things they still do but the things that they hate. Paul realizes that he does these things, but he doesn’t let the enemy beat him up over these things. Instead he says in vs 24-25 “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death, I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.” He recognizes that God is the only one who can save him, Paul can’t do it himself.
We have to realize that even though we do these things that make us so mad, irritated, etc by trying to fulfil the desire of our flesh, that Jesus is right there. Waiting for us to say “okay Jesus, I am fed up, I have had enough! Lord, be my desire. Change me God, turn my desire towards you, and not to things of this world, for the things of this world WILL PASS AWAY, but the things that come from you, are eternal.”
You guys are my favorite band, not only because I love your music, but because you are real for God and I can see that and feel it. Please don’t ever change that! I will continue to keep you in my prayers.
God bless you,
Kara
Mike
Thank you so much! I believe that God spoke thru you to answer one of my questions and prayer that I’ve been struggling with. I absolutely admire you guys and the things you have done. I LOVE LOVE your music and hope that you will continue on to your successful path to leading others to God. Much Love to you,
This chapter comes as perfect timing for me. Thanks for sharing. :)
What Bible translation did you use for Psalm 90:14? Every translation I looked at (and I looked at a lot of them) says “us” and not “me.”
wow wow wow wow wow wow! that’s really gonna strengthen my walk with lord! i love the way you explained that! one of my favorite psalms is psalm 4:9 “i lye in peace to sleep, you alone oh lord will keep me safe” this is one of my favorite because I’m always worried about getting good rest and sometimes in times of doubt we tend to lack trust in the lord! the really exciting thing about psalm 4:9 and psalm 90:14 is that they’re perfect for the end of the day when you go to sleep, and the beggening of the day when you wake up! i don’t know if that made much sense but yeah that’s how i feel about it haha! anyways i’m really inspired by your music and writing, and what you do with tenth avenue north. I heard you were inspired my keith green! i thought that was awesome when i heard about that because i’ve always loved the way god works through his music! im 17 years old and im still in high school! but i know im being called to be a musician for god, hopefully a worship leader! god bless!!
ps - over and underneath has inspired me sooooooooo so so so so much thanks!
-jordan
Michael always did think SO deep! I love reading his posts, they are so profound and eye opening. He is passionate about Jesus. It shows up in everything. How Mike has changed over the years is pure miracle! I hope to see him again soon!
God bless you all:) The beautiful letdown is my fav song of Switchfoots:) I know exactly what you mean about being discontent. I am slowly learning to cast my cares on him. This flesh is so weak to temptations!! My number one peice of advice to any one reading this is to keep your nose in your bible, everyday, keep smiling and never lose hope:) APRIL 1ST DAYTON OHIO LIVE IN CONCERT!! :) CAN’T WAIT!!
Wow!! Thats amazing!! I really needed to hear that. I have been stuggling with lonliness and feeling empty but i try to remember that God is always there. But sometimes its hard because it does’nt always feel like he is. but no just hearing that it will make it so much easier!!! Thank you
Wow. Mike, you really know how to put things in perspective. Thank you so much for sharing your insight and for letting the Word of God speak through you. You guys are amazing. God bless.
thank you.
so i know i already commented, but i had this one thought on this that i thought i might share.
isn’t it funny how we seem to always run to anything but the ONE thing that can satisfy us? the one thing we need is the one thing we seem to run from.
Thank you for another thought provoking blog. Thank you for pointing us to the only One who can satisfy our deepest longings. The Lord has done a work in my life to bring me to a place where only He will satisfy and it’s been worth all the pain and every blow to my selfish pride. I’m reminded of ” Worlds Apart” by Jars of Clay. ” To love You take my world apart…”, that’s exactly what He’s done.
He’s all I need. Because of Him, Chriselda
What an incredible reminder! Thank you Mike for taking the time to share your thoughts in writing. You help me refocus on the truth and that the only truth is in the Word of God. Appreciate you and the ministry of Tenth Avenue North. Keep on keepin’ on!
Thank you so much Mike!
I really enjoyed this post.
I have been reading counterfeit gods, and it’s wonderful to hear your commentary on some of it. I have also been reading Augustine too, so this is really perfect!
Please continue writing! keep up the good work!
Sarah
We all go through a lot of tribulations and struggles, but at the end of the day God is always with us. Thanks to Tenth Ave. North I feel as if God speaks to me through your music. God bless you guys and I know that you guys have touched other people’s hearts. Sometimes we seek because we are desperate looking for something to rely on something that makes us feel important, makes us feel special. but we dont realize that we are the children of God..We need to stop talking about the “labor” pains and start talking about the “baby”. That means to stop talking about your problems, struggles, and defeated minds and start talking about the VICTORY! God is good and with him all things are possible and we need to take care of the fire inside of us that burns for Jesus. I can honestly say that thanks to all your songs I’ve gotten closer to God. There have been moments when I feel down and I cant find my answer and when I put your songs, my answer is there. Because the songs are written as if from God’s perspective..This post in particular helped me find the answer to my one of my questions..Now I do feel relieved! we need to learn to let go and be patient and wait for the Lord because even though we dont deserve anything he still grants us with what we need and with his love because he loves us…We need to pray so that God may give us the patience to be able to wait for him in the midst of the storm.. :) Thank youu and may God continue Blessing you guys.
Wow. I miss seeing these posts. Thanks so much for writing this, you have no idea how much your posts have helped me grow in Christ.
first of all, great blog. I know for me, it seems like whenever soemething goes wrong, i rin to anything BUT God foe what i need.
secondly, you ARE planning on doing this for TLMTD, right? ok, good. :)
Waiting for my dad’s next job is supposed to be my satisfaction. Our family has moved four times because of his job, and each time i’m having to give up my life and start over. well, this time that we got the news we’d be moving again soon, I knew i wouldn’t miss this place at all. so, i’ve had my eyes set on that distant, dreamy, perfect new place God is going to move us to. but, harsh reality reveals that no matter where we move, I’ll have the same struggles of finding new friends, getting in a good church, and just being comfortable. so, where do i turn? to my favorite song, favorite show, favorite movie? probably, but that’s not right. God is the only one who offers up the comfort that will ultimately satisfy me, and give my family peace and happiness in our new home. thanks for continuing your series:) it sure does open my eyes…
So I know you wrote the song before “Counterfeit Gods” came out, but boy does it tie in perfectly here. I have been waiting to read the entry for “Satisfy” for a while, and it definitely didn’t disappoint. Thanks for sharing this!
i constantly struggle with feeling sorta empty and God definitely used you to teach me to count on him… thanks for posting these journals… i really hope you do this for the next record!!!! God has really blessed you with a gift of explaining things :)
That was a really good way of putting things in perspective. Thank you so much for sharing the insight you find in scripture and taking the time to actually type it out and put it up so people can see it. Sometimes the things people say fit so perfectly into your life that you can’t ignore them because you know God intended you to hear them. For me, and I’m sure many others, this is one of those times. Thank you so much and God bless you.
You are an awesome man of God, and He has blessed me with being able to worship in song to such great worship songs with such an awesome worship leader. As a 16 year old girl, i have been through alot. And time after time, i seemed to seek satisfaction through everything but God. Listening to Tenth Avenue North’s songs, and reading this message, has really spoke to me. And i just wanted you to know that. That through you, God has changed many people in many ways to bring them closer to Him. God bless.