Just one more time. Just one more —or, once more, then I’ll stop. When does lust or desire say: “Okay, I’m satisfied – get on with your life?” Never!
The persistent dissatisfaction in the human heart is seen in the history of the children of Israel. In Psalm 78, we read the summary of their constant craving for more – never satisfied. Despite the goodness of God, they always lusted for something else. God split open rocks and gave them cool, refreshing spring water. He prepared and delivered special food called manna every morning. But still, they were not satisfied. More! More! More! They wanted real meat.
They deliberately tested God, demanding the food they craved [asking meat for their lust.] Psalms 78:18 CSB
So He sent them quails – real meat. But did they settle down and subsequently focus on honouring the Lord once their appetites were satisfied? No – they kept on wanting more. Never satisfied!
Death and Destruction are never satisfied, and neither are human eyes. Proverbs 27:20 NIV
Regardless of the number of deaths, the grave is always waiting to receive more. No matter how much we try to please our eyes (lusts), there’s always a desire for more. I need to face this reality: my lust – my cravings will never be satisfied.
Everything is wearisome beyond description. No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied. No matter how much we hear, we are not content. Ecclesiastes 1:8 NLT
If it is an appetite for success or more money, the next promotion will not end my ambition. Lust never says: “Okay, you can stop now. You’ve had enough.”
For some people, their lust is food – “Just one more burger or slice of cheesecake.” Others say: “Just one more smoke. Then I’ll stop.” For others, it is— “Just one more porn click, and then I will stop.” Someone else says: “Just one more drink, then I’ll stop. That’ll be my last beer.” Or, “I’m wasting far too much time gaming — after tonight, I am calling it quits.” Etc.
But all the resolves to stop – seem to weaken over time. Do you know why? Because lust cannot be satisfied.
Lust always cries: “More! More! Just give in and do it once more; then, you can call it quits forever. But please, pretty please, treat yourself to one more indulgence before you stop for good.”
You then violate your conscience and sin against your God, and you are determined not to let it happen again. You confess your failure with contrition to the Lord. But before long – the desire is back. The sad reality of Christian failure and the occasions of sin in our lives is addressed by the Apostle John.
If we walk in the light as HE HIMSELF is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus HIS SON cleanses us from all sin. If we say, “We have no sin,” we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, HE is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say, “We have not sinned,” we make HIM a liar, and HIS WORD is not in us. 1 John 1:7-10 CSB
John also said the world is characterized by the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life. (1 John 2:16) Neither the world nor our flesh knows anything of satisfaction.
How can lust be overpowered?
I say then, walk by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh. Galatians 5:16 CSB
It is the only formula that works every time.
How do you walk in the Spirit? Be clear: I can’t walk by the Spirit if I’m not enjoying my Bible — emphasis on ‘enjoying.’ Feeding on Christ and enjoying the Word of God is the key. That’s when real Spirit-power is experienced in our lives.
How Do You Know if You Have Grieved the Holy Spirit?
When have you last ‘enjoyed’ your Bible? How do I know if I’m enjoying it? Answer: When I can say: “Lord, that’s just what I needed today. I will bow to Your Word, submit and surrender. Keep feeding me, Father through the ministry of Your Spirit, opening up the Word of God to my heart and understanding. Give me the strength to honour You in my life.”
If I’m experiencing a power shortage in my life – it is only because I am not walking closely with the Lord. There is no satisfaction outside of Christ. Everything else cries constantly: “More, more, more.” Lust never says: “That’s enough.” Christ alone satisfies.
For He satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul He fills with good things. Psalms 107:9 ESV
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Matthew 5:6 ESV
Again, Christ alone satisfies!