“For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.” (Psalm 107:9)
Too many men deceive themselves that when they achieve success in their field of endeavor they will find fulfillment and rest. This attitude is not only in men of the world, but men in the church. But doing things for God will never be enough to satisfy the longing of our soul. No matter what great feats we have done in the kingdom, when all has been said and done, what we need more than anything else is intimacy. We need deep personal connection – we long to know and be known – we want to be loved.
When human intimacy is absent or falls short, it is easy to go from one person to another to another. The woman at the well “had five husbands” and a current beau who was not her husband. But she still was thirsty. Jesus told her: “But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” (John 4:14) The very ending words in the Bible re-iterate this invitation: “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” (Rev. 22:17)
The failure of thirsty men and women, believers and non-believers to find in Christ a satisfaction for their longing soul leads to all manner of sexual immorality. And it is often excused and justified because humans fail us. But that is the point: humans were never meant to provide for us what only Christ can.
We need more than His power and wisdom to accomplish great things for Him; we simply need Him. When the world is not enough; He must be more than enough. Count all else dung to know Him – intimately. Make that the business of your life and the ministry you are most devoted to. When you step out of the spotlight, don’t crash and burn – find your first love and bask in His light.