We have hearts that long after fulfillment, but far too often we seek that fulfillment in things that fail to deliver. As we long for them we find that our hearts begin to ache. If the desire is strong enough and what we want is out of our reach, it can even lead to depression and anxiety. What is it about desiring things in this way that causes this kind of heartache?
It all seems to stem from the fact that when we want something we cannot have, a gloom begins to cover all the other wonderful blessings the Lord has already given us. As our flesh longs after these things, we hear the sirens singing to us, telling us that we need this in order to be complete. The problem is, that is not the only song that is sung. It always travels with another tiding that declares, all these other blessings you already have are not enough; they will always leave you empty.
This is why we can find ourselves surrounded by a multitude of blessings asking, “why am I so miserable?” If you find yourself in this position, ask yourself what it is that is promising you fulfillment and causing to despise what you already have? If it is not of God, remember what William Plummer once said, “Are you ambitious for the things of this world? Then you are your own tormentor!”
This leaves us asking how to end this self-torture. Removing desires that war against our soul is no easy task. The only way this can be done is by turning our minds away from the things of the world and setting them on things above where Christ is seated (Col. 3:1). In other words, we need to set our minds on Christ, the only One who can deliver what He has promised. This will be a lifelong war and we may lose some battles, but it is one of the primary fronts in the fight of faith.
Now godliness with contentment is great gain. – 1 Timothy 6:6
-D. Eaton
The Fight of Faith 