Getting farther away from God does not satisfy
And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, Luke 15:13-18, KJV
In verse13 of our text it says the Prodigal Son went away to a “far country and there wasted his substance with riotous living.” His decision to go away from his father demonstrated that he really did not want to be bothered by his father as he pursue worldly pleasures. In pursuing his own personal desires, he resorted to seek out satisfaction by moving away from his home. When Satan attracts you with limitless possibilities of new experiences and entertainment, always remember that his goal is not to provide you a wholesome experience but to destroy you with empty promises. Your thinking becomes divided for you want to satisfy the desires of the flesh and it gets conflicted with the desires of God for your life. You begin to lose your sense of purpose and you become more dissatisfied with what you have. It will derail you in your pursuit of righteous living. You will drift through life, wasting time, money, and even meaningful relationships. This is the kind of life one experiences when he decides to live his life without God’s guidance; making foolish decisions and will continue to find oneself in want. The prodigal son learned the hard way that pursuing happiness through pleasurable practices contrary to God’s purpose will not satisfy. The realization came when he reached the bottom where there was nothing to hold on to but more miseries and emptiness. Thinking of his predicament made him come to his senses and realize that the only solution is to go back to his father, repent from his sin and accept the consequence of his actions. God always welcomes the decision to return to Him and He will restore the relationship that was fractured. God in the richness of His grace will reach out providing forgiveness. And just like what Paul said, God will not disown those who belong to His kingdom. “If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is” (2 Timothy 2:13). Have you been trying to seek out a life that will provide you satisfaction by distancing yourself away from your heavenly Father? It is not too late to return to Him and let Him welcome you with rejoicing!