This is a weekly series with things I’m reading and pondering from Oswald Chambers. You can read the original seed thought here, or type “Thursdays With Oswald” in the search box to read more entries.
Jesus Can Satisfy
[There] are indications from innumerable passages in God’s Book which prove that this complex soul which we have been examining can be satisfied and placed in perfect harmony with itself and with God in its present existence. The thought that a human soul can fulfill the predestined purpose of God is a great one. The human soul, however, can also be stagnated by ignorance. In the beginning, we do not know the capabilities of our souls and are content to be ignorant; but when we come under the conviction of sin, we begin to understand the awful, unfathomable depths of our nature and the claim of Jesus Christ that He can satisfy this abyss. Every man who knows what his soul is capable of, knows its possibilities and terrors, but knows also the salvation of God, will bear equal testimony with the written Word of God that Jesus Christ can satisfy the living soul.
From Biblical Psychology
I think Chambers explains why some people don’t read the Bible regularly. Because when we read the Word, the Holy Spirit does show us the abyss between where we are and where God wants our souls to be. Then we are convicted and restless. And, as Augustine said, “Our souls are restless until they find their rest in You.”
But with that realization of the separation—the abyss—also comes the recognition that Jesus paid the price for our atonement (our at one-ment). Our souls can find their full satisfaction here and now if we will just turn from the thoughts and practices that are separating us from God.
Don’t wait for the “sweet by and by” to find satisfaction with God:
- Read the Word
- Let the Holy Spirit convict you of the abyss in your soul
- Obey the Spirit’s prompting so you can repent
- Experience the at one-ment with God that Jesus paid for!
Craig T. Owens 