I remember it clearly. I’d made the long trek back to Westchester, New York from my grad school in Brooklyn, New York. It was midnight and I was hungry. When I made my way into my apartment, imagine my surprise upon realizing my best friend had ordered Indian Food! I made myself a plate, savored every bite, and soon after went peacefully to sleep.

At that time, one thing I enjoyed the most was a good meal and a good sleep shortly after. I felt fulfilled.

And isn’t that what we all want? To be and feel fulfilled?

One of the challenges that we face as Christians, especially those of us who struggle emotionally, is we don’t trust that Jesus can truly fulfill us. It’s the reason why we get so hurt when people disappoint us or why we try to find fulfillment through work, entertainment, or more blatant sins. But the truth is, Jesus can and will fulfill us if we allow Him to.

Two scriptures I’ve been coming back to recently are John 6:35 and John 7:37-38. They are beautiful promises from Christ that remind me He is my fulfillment in this life.

Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”

John 6:35

Sometimes I ask myself, is it true that I will never be hungry or thirsty again? Well, yes, God’s word is true. Whenever I feel hungry or thirsty–or as if I am lacking something–I have to ask myself, am I coming to Jesus? Am I trusting Him? If God’s word is true, then Jesus is telling the truth. I can trust that if I come to him consistently by spending time with Him in his word, waiting on him, listening to him, and obeying him then I will not be hungry. I can trust that if I believe in him–if I am trusting and depending on him–that I will not be thirsty. Not because of what I am doing but because of who He is. As I respond to the truth of who Jesus is, I recognize the profound reality that in Him, I lack nothing.

I will lack nothing.

On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may came and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart'” (When he said “living water,” he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him. But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory.)

John 7: 37-39

I love how inviting Jesus is. He tells us that if we are lacking, we can come to him. He then adds onto this point by saying anyone who believes in him may come and drink. We all can come to him, but he doesn’t just want us to come he also wants us to believe, depend on, and trust in him. He wants us to walk in intimacy with him by abiding. We will be spiritually blessed if we do. Abiding in Christ allows us to have the Holy Spirit–the very presence of God–abide in our hearts.

So if you’re doubting that Jesus can truly fulfill you and you’re a Christian, my questions for you are: are you coming to him? Are you depending on him? If you’re not, okay, just start. Depend on God’s grace and be reminded that it is his will for you to come to him and depend on him consistently. Read his word, sit in silence with him, pray, and praise. Do it consistently and faithfully. He will not leave you empty.

For my non-believing friends, I want you to know that Jesus’ invitation is open to everyone. He wants you and yes, you’ll have to give up a lot, but only because he wants to replace those things with his very self–which is the essence of true and eternal life.

Love and Light,

Kourtney Naomi