by Mason Rutledge, President

As the British poets, Keith Richards and Mick Jagger wrote,

I can’t get no satisfaction
‘Cause I try,
and I try,
and I try,
and I try
I can’t get no.

Here’s a thought. Stop trying. Stop seeking satisfaction.

Satisfaction is invariable elusive. Just when you find it, there is a new and improved “satisfaction” just around the corner. It’s true in lattes, cars, homes, drugs, and lust. This is a truism. Satisfaction is short-lived.

As a substitute for satisfaction, seek joy.

Joy is built to last. It is a seedling planted in your soul. It is an entirely different emotion as it draws back to our created identity.

Joy will root in you. It will grow.

The roots of joy are strong. Jesus withstood the cross because of the “joy set before Him” (Hebrews 12:2).

Jesus, Himself, says that when His joy is in you that your joy will be full (John 15). The heavens have exceeding joy, shout for joy over the salvation of a soul.

The Psalmist (Psalm 16:11) writes that in the presence of God there is “fullness of joy.” He also promises that joy is a gift of every morning (Psalm 30). Joy is not fleeting. We sing for joy (Psalm 63 and 95). Satisfaction rises just like the sun and saturates the landscape of our life, every day.

Mick and Keith (and much of the world) are trying, they try and they try and they try.

Instead, seek joy.