We are most satisfied when God is most glorified
John Piper has wonderfully championed the idea that “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him,” helping many Christians to understand that our authentic satisfaction has no conflict with God’s goal of manifesting his presence. However, I propose that we also need to understand the correlating, and preceding, principle that we are most satisfied when God is most glorified. This alternative vantage point reminds us that satisfaction begins with God’s preceding glory- a glory that is not dependent on us.
We were made to long and be satisfied. David cried out, “my soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water” (Psalm 63:1). The problem is that, in a sinful and selfish state, we long improperly and cannot satisfy ourselves. We live in a spiritual desert land and our hope is that God will reveal himself to satisfy our thirsty hearts.
Scripture and history show that good things only come when God speaks, moves, and reveals himself. Fortunately, his desire is to draw near and manifest his glory to meet the longings of our heart. David continued, “I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you” (Psalm 63:2-5).
Notice the progression. David is longing. God is revealed. David is satisfied. The result is praise. This provides several implications. First, awareness of our need is the beginning of worship. We must wait in dependence for God, in his timing, to initiate the revelation of himself. Second, when God reveals himself, it is for our good. It is not because of God’s vanity; it is for our necessity. Lastly, we must not hold back our praises when we are satisfied by glory. In fact, our worship inspires us to live and sacrifice for the glory we’ve beheld.
Like thirsty children with empty cups, we can humbly orient our lives to behold God’s goodness. In Revelation 4, the elders, “fall down before him who is seated onto throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying ‘Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honour and power.’” Notice the elders happily remain because of what they’ve seen. They need nothing else. God’s glory satisfies forever and satisfied people continue to praise.
This image is not just a future heavenly reality. We, like Moses, can boldly cry out, “Show me your glory!” Even after the powerful miracles in Egypt, Moses wanted more. He wanted God’s personal glory. That posture, pure God-focused longing, puts God’s glory at the center of our lives. And, when God is centered, we are satisfied, pouring praises, glorifying God, and the cycle continues!