Lessons from Hymns: Satisfaction in Jesus

One of the hymns that convicts me the most is “Be Thou My Vision” based on a poem by St. Dallán Forgaill. I’m particularly challenged by this verse:

Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise
Thou mine inheritance, now and always
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart
High King of Heaven, my treasure Thou art

These lyrics are contrary to the ideals we have grown up learning as Americans. To chase the American Dream is to chase money, success, fame, comfort, and the approval of people. But as the lyrics above remind us, all of those things are completely worthless. We as followers of Jesus are to want something much greater.

Jesus tells us this in Matthew 6:19-21, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

All of the material possessions and wealth we have in this world will fade away. And not only are they temporary, they’re also just not that great in comparison to Jesus Christ. We are not only doing a disservice to the Kingdom of God when we focus on possessions, wealth, and approval. We are also seriously missing out on the real joys of life!

St. Dallán Forgaill’s lyrics above are an invitation to experience something better. If we rely on money to make us happy, we will never have enough. If we rely on materiel things to bring us comfort, we are missing the godly comfort Paul writes about in 2 Corinthians 1. If we seek the approval of man, our insecurities will make sure we’re never satisfied. But if we rely on the grace and love of Jesus for provision, comfort, and satisfaction, we will never be disappointed. 
In fact, I promise that he will surprise us with how good and faithful he is to us.