‘Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides You’ (Psalm 73:25). The Psalmist’s point is not that earthly pleasures are not enjoyable, but rather that they aren’t enough. They are fleeting and leave him wanting. His soul seeks nourishment that transcends the physical. Is there more?
Philosophers, mystics, and thinkers throughout history have grappled with this very question. What happens when we discover that ultimately, a larger house is just a house, a more expensive car is just a car, a custom-tailored designer suit is just clothing? The psalmist is not suggesting that these things don’t bring us pleasure, but rather that nothing external can sustain the soul. The material world cannot satisfy our deepest longings. Our souls yearn for more. And according to the Scriptures, the “more” is not a thing, or a place, or an accomplishment, or even the love of a mate, family, or friends. The longing is for a fullness of life that comes from the One who claimed to be the life. Through our relationship with Him, He offers us satisfaction of the soul in the same way a good meal satisfies our physical hunger.
He often uses the material world, the beauty of creation, earthly pleasures, and human relationships to deliver that life, but without Him, they are but colorful and empty containers that distract, entertain, or pleasure us for a short while and then begin to fade.
But He is the life that fills and refills, like an overflowing stream, like rivers of living water. Eternally.
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