Why The Best Moments Still Leave Us Wanting More

Why is it that even in the best moments, when life feels beautiful, exciting, and full, we still find ourselves wanting more?

Yesterday, I hiked one of the most stunning trails I’ve ever seen. Towering peaks, waterfalls, wildflowers scattered like God’s own artwork. And I thought, if this earth is so breathtaking, what will the new earth be like?

God’s Word says, “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, because the first heaven and the first earth had disappeared, and the sea was gone” (Revelation 21:1 NCV). Interesting - no sea.

Yet even after moments like that, the question lingers: Is this all there is?

For the one chasing wealth, money feels like the answer. Solomon said “Those who love money will never have enough” (Ecclesiastes 5:10 NCV).

For the overworked, travel feels like freedom. Yet God says, “Only in returning to me and resting will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength” (Isaiah 30:15 NCV).

For the sick, health feels like heaven, but “Physical training is good, but training for devotion to God is much better” (1 Timothy 4:8 NCV).

Paul began his letter to Corinth by saying, “God called me to be an apostle of Christ Jesus because that is what God wanted” (1 Corinthians 1:1 NCV). He knew his purpose came from God.

Scripture says, “We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10 NCV).

I know this can sound like religous mumbo-jumbo, but there is really something to connecting “closely” with God.

Think about this, there is nothing like deep love. Love with deep roots and intimacy feels like the ultimate. Many dream of this with a partner, but between two sinners it will never be perfect. God warns, “The heart is wicked and cannot be trusted” (Jeremiah 17:9 NCV).

So what kind of love can truly fulfill? “We love because God first loved us” (1 John 4:19 NCV). When we love God deeply, we experience His love in return. “Your love is better than life” (Psalm 63:3 NCV). I know, it’s hard to believe.

Here’s the reality. “Now we see a dim reflection, as if looking into a mirror, but then we shall see clearly” (1 Corinthians 13:12 NCV).

We won’t experience His love in perfection until heaven, but one day we will have it forever: “God’s home is now among his people. He will live with them… and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes” (Revelation 21:3-4 NCV). That’s when you and I will ultimately “arrive”.

I think Solomon’s life proved this. He had wealth, wisdom, power, and pleasure, but concluded, “Everything is meaningless, like chasing the wind” (Ecclesiastes 1:14 NCV).

His final advice?

“Now, everything has been heard, so I give my final advice: Respect God and obey his commands, because this is what everyone is supposed to do” (Ecclesiastes 12:13 NCV).

Jesus summed it up: “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind” (Matthew 22:37 NCV). “Seek first God’s kingdom and what God wants. Then all your other needs will be met as well” (Matthew 6:33 NCV). “I came to give life, life in all its fullness” (John 10:10 NCV).

The takeaway? True fulfillment is not in what we gain here, but in Who we know and love here, Jesus Christ. Wow, I know this sounds so religous, but it’s your purpose, your identity and your (and mine) true happiness.

Here’s the challenge, don’t wait until you’ve tried it all to find out it was never enough. “Taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8 NCV) - and you’ll never be empty again.

GOD, please give us the eyes to see, the ears to hear this truth and please help us know that only you - Jesus Christ - and the Holy Spirit - and - loving others as ourself - only these bring true happiness, joy and fulfillment. Help us - IJNIP amen ♥️