Misconception of Satisfy

People today have a misinformed definition of the word satisfy. It conveys an entirely different meaning than what the Bible tells us. Watching a video cannot “satisfy” us, all it does is give us something fun to watch. Things in the world can not satisfy either, only one thing can truly satisfy us in a world full of darkness. Christians today need to tell others the true meaning of satisfy, and we cannot fulfill the desires of the sinful nature with the definition the world has given. The only meaning of satisfy that should be accepted is, being in a profound state rooted in the presence and promises of God. Physical or material fulfillment does not portray a definition that Christians believe in. Psalm 107:9 declares, “ . . . for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things” (NIV). What a beautiful way of portraying the word satisfy, and this is just one of many examples found throughout the Bible. To trust in God’s sufficiency and to rest in His grace is enough to give us contentment. Christians who have a solid relationship with God understand the true meaning of satisfy and can show others what a healthy relationship with God looks like. Although the younger generation often misinterprets satisfy and uses it to mean many different ideas, it should only have one definition based on God's word.

Worldly Definition of Satisfy

Often, the world defines satisfy as the fulfillment of personal desires through material possessions, achievements, or pleasurable experiences. Generation Z for instance pursues followers on social media, indulges in drugs and alcohol, and pursues relationships with multiple people. None of these can satisfy as God can. Today’s youth get wrapped up in a cycle that leads to a path of destruction and can cause heartbreak. Worldly satisfaction and Godly satisfaction have two completely different definitions. John Pollard, a person with multiple articles and sermons as a preacher, states, “If everything that we do, everything that we buy, everything that we seek after doesn’t satisfy our deepest needs and fill the void and emptiness in our lives then what or who possibly can?” He poses a question many non-believers ask themselves. Pollard goes on to explain the true meaning of satisfy by stating that God is the answer. Ecclesiastics, a book in the Bible, gives the correct meaning and context to satisfy. While there are multiple perspectives on the word satisfy in the book of Ecclesiastes, one perspective includes the uselessness of the things that men think satisfy their needs.

Biblical Worldview of Satisfy

Rooted in God’s design, satisfy meets the needs of God’s people and it reflects His glory. God is the ultimate source of satisfaction, and when we seek Him, we can find joy, peace, and a purpose for living. So many young adults misunderstand the word satisfy because they listen to the false accusations of what satisfaction can do for them in a broken world. By living a life of gratitude and service, older Christians can bring young adults to an understanding that God’s love for us is more than enough to satisfy the void of empty feelings. Pollard concludes, “Only God can satisfy our deepest needs and fill the void that this life offers to us.” This is a good way of putting the role of satisfaction into perspective. Lost young people constantly look for something new that can “fill” their greatest desires. Television, news, and social media do not give Christians who are spreading the word any favors. In a world of demand and fast-paced living, it becomes extremely easy to get wrapped up in the flow. Christians need to bring others out of the flow of the world by proclaiming the satisfaction only God can give. Psalm 16:11 says, “You make known to me the path of life; you fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” This beautiful message can give us comfort in our hardest times.

A Christian's Role

Sin has consumed the world with ease, and there is always a need for the love of God can only fix a world broken from a false perspective on the word satisfy. Cambridge Dictionary provides a good definition of satisfy, “to please someone by giving them what they want or need.” God pleases us and gives us what we need whenever we seek Him and desire to be in His presence. The worldly things only satisfy the desire of the flesh and not the spirit. Christians need to focus on helping young adults grasp a better view of the word satisfied. They can do this by being an example and teaching the kind of love God provides. Readily available to accept, God waits for those who are lost but want a way out of the sinful world. Isaiah 58:11 states, “The Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail” (NIV). What an impactful verse that has meaning that goes beyond the surface. God can help guide a young generation to be like a watered garden with springs of water that do not fail.

As Christians, people need to consider ministering to youth because they are the next generation. If the next generation believes in the worldly definition of satisfy, then there is little hope to accomplish much for the Kingdom of Heaven. Only God can satisfy and the sooner young adults realize this, the better off the world will be. Pollard makes an incredible statement, “If you are tired of searching and searching for meaning and satisfaction and you think there isn’t a better way, there is! You can change that by turning to God and being baptized for the forgiveness of your sins.” Baptism and being born again through Jesus can help satisfy the younger generation of their void. There is only one definition of satisfy, and that is the love of God that fulfills our relationship with Him.

About the Author

Jesse Harlow is a student at Summit Christian College. He is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biblical Studies. He enjoys working as a Youth Pastor at Bayard Church of Christ, and he is also a huge Chiefs fan. But he does not care for Taylor Swift at all!