Nobody is ever exempt from facing hard times. In fact, you may be trudging through a difficult time right now. Whether you’re a Christ-follower or not, you have a choice: to choose Jesus or to choose a temporary substitute. When it comes down to it, I believe most of us would probably admit that we know Jesus is always the better choice. Yet, somehow, we still have a problem choosing him first.
I once heard a pastor say something like, “If you don’t enjoy sinning, then you aren’t doing it right.” He’s totally right. While sin can’t ever bring true joy or lasting satisfaction, it can sometimes satisfy us momentarily. And, while some of us may have experienced the sufficiency of Christ and the joy and satisfaction that only he can bring, sin still has a way of causing us to doubt whether we should choose Jesus first.
For some of us, choosing sin over Jesus isn’t the main thing that trips us up every time we face hardship. Sometimes we choose good things over Jesus, which isn’t actually a good thing. Some people cling to work or to relationships. Some people cling to church, or even to serving. Some people cling to their kids or to their reputations. While none of those things are bad things, they are the wrong things to cling to for satisfaction — especially during turbulent times.
Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.”
— John 6:35
For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things.
— Psalm 107:9
The afflicted shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek him shall praise the Lord! May your hearts live forever!
— Psalm 22:26
In your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
— Psalm 16:11
Jesus is better. Always. Jesus is steady, and with him we cannot be shaken — if we cling to him. Cling to Jesus at all times. Be it during a silly argument or while grieving the loss of a loved one, cling to him. Not only will you glorify your father in heaven, you will also be truly satisfied.