Never Satisfied
Root Beer is Megan’s 23-year-old horse. No one has ridden him in around ten years, and he probably wouldn’t let anyone on him now if they tried. He's basically a big, spoiled pet. He stays in our fenced area that is mostly wooded, with a small pond and an old barn. Our neighbor, Gloria, no longer has horses and has been gracious enough to let him roam in her pasture. A small iron gate separates us and any time it's closed, Root Beer stands near it longing to access the other side and pouting until someone finally opens it. Sometimes, he puts on quite a show as he runs into the pasture being vocal and throwing a few kicks along the way. I often wonder if he's showing his excitement or if he's letting me know just how frustrated he is with me for leaving him locked behind the gate for so long.
You would think a horse that has hay, is fed grain daily, and has a pasture all to himself would be satisfied. A recent Saturday mending fences proved otherwise. There was a small grown up area near a stream in the far corner where the wire was loose from the post. The space was barely big enough for him to squeeze through, but he figured it out. Why he was even over in that area in the first place is beyond me. He had longed to be in that pasture because he thought the grass was surely greener on the other side of the fence, but it wasn't long before he was looking for something else to satisfy him. Doesn't that sound just like us sometimes? God provides everything we need, yet we often aren't content with what we have.
Many are familiar with Philippians 4:13... I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. We see it printed on everything from Bible covers to t-shirts. It's a wonderful thing to be reminded of. If you pay attention to the verses before that though, not only does Paul say that he was able to do all things through Christ, he also speaks of being content in all situations. That's a pretty strong statement to make, especially when you're in a prison cell when you make it. He speaks on the matter again in 1 Timothy.
I don't think there's anything wrong with having nice things or wanting to better ourselves, if those things are within our means. However, until we realize that true satisfaction and contentment are only found in Christ, we'll spend the rest of our lives always wanting more and still come away... never satisfied.
Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. -Philippians 4:11-13
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. -1 Timothy 6:6-8
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