The Only One in the World

A recent song by Rihanna got me thinking.  In the song she pleads with her lover to "make me feel like I'm the only girl in the world, like I'm the only one you'll ever love".  No doubt the song has much to do with sex and the pursuit of sexual pleasure, however, there is a cry for more - to matter to someone, even for a moment.

In my own wandering I too have cried out in my own despair and longing for someone to make me feel so special.  The world today promises so much but provides so little - mere shadows and dust.

A hymn titled "Satisfied" written by Clara Tear Williams in 1875 speaks of this deep longing.  In the first verse she pens:

All my life I had a longing
For a drink from some clear spring,
That I hoped would quench the burning
Of the thirst I felt within.

The second and third verses tell of how she attempted to meet this thirsting and longing for something better, something satisfying.  I identify with Clara.  For many years I have sought for that 'one thing' that would meet my deep need, that would satisfy a longing in my soul.

I have enjoyed social, financial and career success in this life, but it has not filled this deep longing for substance.  I have been employed and excelled greatly in my tasks, earning high praises on my performance evaluations.  I've been entrusted with large budgets tasked with meeting the needs of government agencies.  I have headed up departments and successfully managed staff members while earning the unsolicited praises of those whom I supervised.  I have taken little and made it into something more.  This has provided little satisfaction.

I have enjoyed social success.  I have rubbed shoulders with the upper echelon - finding myself in the company of the 'movers and shakers' in our society.  People have sought out my advice and opinions on various matters. I have been elected and appointed.  I have counselled, directed and taught.  People beyond my years have come to me for direction and leadership.  But it has not met my inner need for acceptance.

I know what it is like to make good money and to have money - to not to have to worry about coffee money for Starbucks, or about whether or not I can have the finer foods, whether I can be clothed plainly or fashionably.  Entertainment was available and enjoyed.  I have paid good money for poor thrills.  Again, these things have not brought long term satisfaction.

My various successes have brought a measure of joy and happiness, but it never lasts.  It is but a morning mist quickly burned away by the rising sun.  In my life, it is my longing to know that I matter and that I matter to not just anyone, but Someone.

In the last verse of her hymn, Clara rejoices with the following:

Well of water, ever springing,
Bread of Life so rich and free,
Untold wealth that never faileth,
My Redeemer is to me.

I desire this.  Is it truly possible to receive such a gift?  Scripture tells me in that I can.  All I need do is ask and receive.  Psalm 34:8 encourages me to "taste and see that the LORD is good".  In Revelation 3:20, Jesus Christ says "Look! I stand at the door and knock.  If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends."  Finally, in Luke 11:9-10 I read "And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find.  Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks, receives.  Everyone who seeks, finds.  And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened."

Father God, I ask that you will open my eyes and my heart to receive from you.  According to your Word, I matter.  You are able to meet my every need.  Please do so in Christ Jesus.  Amen.

Will you ask and receive this too?