Insatiable Desire

I’m a sailboat nut.

Some people love workouts, some love food, some love hockey, but I love sailboats. I subscribe to about 10 sailing groups on Facebook. I have fond memories of sailing with my Dad, probably hundreds of times, on a little lake in Mississippi growing up.

Sailing has always been special to me.

Then, this month, we finally checked off a bucket list item.

Our family sailed from island to island in the British Virgin Islands on a 50’ sailing yacht. It was spectacular. The wind was great, it was 77 degrees all week, and the water was an emerald blue. We had a professional captain, and we even snorkelled in a few places. I saw fish colors I’d not seen before!

The catamaran we sailed had 5 bedrooms, 5 baths, two eating areas, a front seating area, a top seating area, and a dinghy to take us to shore. It was very nice.

We loved every minute of it!

Then something happened.

As we were coming into a marina on one of the islands, I looked across the dock and saw a sleek 67’ sailing yacht. It had more bedrooms, a larger dining area, a larger dinghy, a taller mast, and a super large kitchen area.

My heart raced for a bit at how well-equipped this boat seemed and how upscale it was. It was definitely nicer than ours.

Then, I felt a pit in my stomach.

In that instant, I was reminded that nothing on earth will ever fully satisfy me. If I’m on a 50’ sailing yacht, I yearn for a 67’ yacht.

If my bank account is $10,000, then I want $20,000.

If I have one new suit, I want the other new one in the store.

For example, I earned a $30,000 commission on a large sale many years ago. I was quite happy and proud of my accomplishment as I drove to the bank. But literally 2 days later, I had totally forgotten about that commission and was solely focused on getting a bigger one.

Our hearts are always seeking to fill the void inside us. Our heart's desire is fulfillment.

For years, I tried to fill the void inside me with recognition, popularity, money, respect, and accomplishment.

But the yearning remained. None of those things filled the void for any sustained length of time.

My joys were always short-lived.

The lesson?

Only God himself can fill the void in our hearts.

When I read my Bible, pray, share life with others who love Him, and allow His life to live through me, I am truly fulfilled. When I rest in His provision, follow His Word, trust Him in trials, and worship Him, He fills the void in my heart.

So, next time you feel that little knot inside your stomach to want more, get more, score more, have more, seek more, and find more to fill your empty spot, remember this:

That nagging urge will haunt you forever, unless you turn and ask the God of the universe to do what only He can do - fill your void. Only He can quench our desire.

If you want to chat about the insatiable desire in your life, reach out to me.