Will Graham - Redeemed: Devotions for the Longing Soul

F OR H E SATISFIES THE LONGING SOUL, AND FILLS THE HUNGRY SOUL WITH GOODNESS .

PSALM 107:9

H ave you ever studied the Bible and had a verse jump out at you? Perhaps youve read it many times before, but one day it catches your eye and impacts you deeply as you meditate on it.

As I was preparing to write this devotional book, I happened upon such a verse. Psalm 107:9 says, For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness. It seems so simple, and yet it is incredibly profound.

As Ive traveled the globe to share the good news of Jesus Christ, Ive seen longing souls from every walk of life. In the most affluent cities where they truly believe they have it all, to the back alleys of third world nations, people are desperate for hope and goodness.

Deep inside their souls they are hungering for something, but they dont know what that is. Theyre vainly trying to satisfy that empty space that asks: Is there more to life than this? What is my purpose? What is the meaning of life? Is there hope or order in the chaos? Does God love me or even care about me?

Some pursue good deeds, positive social work, mentoring, or donating money to worthy causes. Others try to overcome the void by throwing themselves into their relationships, jobs, or hobbies. Unfortunately there are many who seek futile fulfillment in destructive vices that only bring more sadness and suffering.

But the Bible tells us that Godonly Godcan fill the void inside of us. Not only that, He satisfies that longing with goodnessnot more pain or hopelessness and not more chores, requirements, or broken promises; no, He satisfies us with His goodness!

As we begin this journey together, I pray that you will be inspired in some cases and challenged in others. I pray that your faith will grow and that your eyes will be opened to the eternal needs of those around you.

Most of all I pray that you will draw closer to the God who satisfies your longing soul and fills your hungry soul with His goodness.

F OR THROUGH H IM WE BOTH HAVE ACCESS BY ONE S PIRIT TO THE F ATHER .

EPHESIANS 2:18

I can remember the exact moment when I realized that there was something different about my grandfather. I was in elementary school, and one of the teachers put her hands on my shoulders and told another teacher, This is Billy Grahams grandson. I wondered how on earth she knew my grandfather.

You see, wemy brothers, sister, and Iwere raised in the mountains of North Carolina, a world away from the large audiences that would gather to hear my grandfathers messages. We were good kids. We would get into mischief but were mostly harmless.

One Sunday morning when I was nearly six years old, I sat next to my parents in the pew at church. I noticed that they were passing out a snack and everybody was getting a bite. I couldnt be sure, but it looked like it might be a bit of bread and a cup of grape juice.

I was excited! I was hungry and wanted a snack!

As the tray of bread came by, I reached out to take a piece. Suddenly my dad reached up and smacked the back of my hand, not hard enough to hurt but enough that I understood the message and let the plate pass. I couldnt figure it out. I had been good all service (which isnt necessarily easy for a young boy who is used to running around the mountainside). I could only assume that my parents were afraid I would spill it on the church carpet.

Your salvation depends on what [Christ] has done for you, not on what you do for Him. It isnt your hold on God that saves you; its His hold on you.

BILLY GRAHAM

That afternoon my dad took me up to my room and began to explain to me what communion is. He shared that its a time of remembrance for those who have accepted Jesus as Savior. He told me about what Jesus did for me on the cross. He explained how Jesus died for my sins and that I can spend eternity with Him in heaven.

That was the day my dad used communion to explain the gospel, and I surrendered my life to Jesus.

I didnt have all the answers. I didnt understand the whole Bible. But I did know a few things. I knew that I had sinned; I knew that Jesus took my sins to the cross; I knew that He conquered the grave; and I knew that I wanted a relationship with Him as my Savior.

You see, the fact that I was a good kid and that my last name was Graham didnt mean anything in the scope of eternity. Being Billy Grahams grandson and sitting still in church on Sunday morning was not enough to gain entrance into heaven.

Similarly, you may be the pastors son or daughter. You may be a deacon or Sunday school superintendent, but your family lineage and good works cannot save you either.

Rather, the decision I made that day with childlike faith was what secured my eternity with Christ.

Its that moment of surrender that has allowed me a lifetime of joy, peace, and purpose in this world and the hope of salvation when my days here are done. Jesus can and will save you as you seek His forgiveness and begin a relationship with Him.