What I DO Know

 

(wallpapercave .com)

As I was laying in bed praying for you the other night, this is what I felt God had me write down for you.

I don’t know a lot of things. I know you believe there’s a God; I don’t know your thoughts towards Him. But I do know His thoughts towards you. (See Psalm 139)

I do know that He loves you.

I do know that He isn’t mad at you.

I do know that He isn’t punishing you for anything (Jesus already took all your punishments when He went to the cross for you).

I do know that He’s reaching out to you, always.

I do know that He’s always with you, whether you realize it or not – and whether you want Him there or not.

I do know there’s no place you can go where He isn’t already there.

I do know what great value He places on you. Jesus values you so much that He chose to die in your place so that you can live in His place.

I do know that this great value has nothing to do with what you do or choose not to do; your value is intrinsic (you were born with it).

I do know that He has a plan and purpose for your life.

I do know that God created you in His own image.

I do know that He’s filled you with gifts and talents and promise.

I do know that He always wants to communicate with you, even when you think you can’t hear His voice.

I do know that He wants you healed and whole, inside, and out.

I do know that He loves the people you love.

I do know that He loves the people you hate or are angry with. He’s reaching out to them, too.

I do know that the Psalmist David said that God keeps your tears in a bottle, and that your prayers are a sweet-smelling savor to Him.

I do know that He sings over you.

I do know that He sees you, all the time.

I do know that He knows your thoughts before you even think them.

I do know that He’s already planned a way out of every trouble you’ll get yourself into.

I do know that He wants to live in your heart and that He wants you to live in His.

I do know that He’s already provided all you need; all you’ll ever need.

I do know that He’s already positioned friends and allies for you, right when and where you’ll need them.

I do know that He breathed life into you for His own precious reasons.

I do know that He’s protected you when you weren’t even aware that He was there.

I do know that He’ll continue to be your protection.

I do know that He’s not “out there somewhere” but that He’s as close as the mention of His Name.

I do know that He’s given His children His power and authority.

I do know that He always gives you choice, the right to choose Him or to ignore Him.

I do know that God’s heart is your home.

I do know that when no one sees you or what you’re going through, He does.

I do know that He will always be speaking to your heart.

I do know that you can hear Him when He speaks.

I do know that He made you strong, but that He is stronger and that He shows up in your times of weakness.

I do know that your feelings don’t explain the situation.

I do know that He doesn’t just want you to know about Him, but that He wants you to know Him, personally and intimately.

I do know that He always wants your love and your praise and your thankfulness.

I do know that with every temptation, He’s already provided an escape.

I do know that He wants you to see yourself the way He sees you.

I do know that He trusts you.

 

I do know that I love you, too, even though I’m not always with you.

I do know that I pray for you every day.

I do know that He hears my prayers for you, every single time I pray.

I do know that He hears you, every single time YOU pray.

I do know that He gave me these words just for you, for good reason.

Seriously? We Going to Talk About This Again?

(photo from youtube.com)

Rejoice. It’s one of my favorite words. But, what does it mean? There’s a dictionary definition, then – there’s the picture definition my brain comes up with to give me understanding.

The dictionary definition is easy, anyone can look it up. It’s right there at your fingertips, there on your phone. We call up the magical world of Google with just the touch of a finger. There we can see that rejoice means: to be glad; take delight in, to make joyful; gladden. (from dictionary.com)

(picture from thommiodom.com)

But, what of the word picture in my head? I suppose, since none of us thinks exactly alike, the word picture in your head is likely quite different than mine. I listened as a woman read the definition of the word aloud the other day, and this is where my brain took me:

Picture, if you will, your favorite bowl. At the moment, mine is a decorative blue bowl with a scripture around the edges. Inside there’s a magical liquid that can be sloshed around, spilled out, poured over my head; I can drink from it, I can dip my fingers in it, I can pour some into your bowl…. I can do most anything I choose with the magical potion, yet the bowl never goes empty.

No, not Love Potion No. 9 – but, a love potion from the Creator of everything, He calls it joy.

Of course, I don’t take this bowl with me everywhere I go, if you knew how clumsy I can be, you know I’d break it the very first day we ventured out into the world together. The next part of the word picture is to imagine this bowl inside of me (you). I see it resting on my diaphragm. It goes with me everywhere, and not once have I dropped it or laid it down somewhere and forgotten about it.

It’s there every time I need to dip into it. The contents are there sloshing around, reminding me that I can always choose joy. It’s warm and soothing, letting me know that no matter the situation, I can draw from it.

I may find myself receiving harsh news, or growing impatient in traffic, or battling a headache. Or I may see someone else in need, someone I love – or someone I don’t even know yet. The situation doesn’t need to be futile; I have joy to dip into!

Part of the Bible that thrills me completely, is Philippians 4:4-8. Verse four tells us to: “Rejoice in the Lord, always. Again, I say, rejoice!”

People look at you like you have three heads if you suggest they rejoice while going through a tough situation. But, three-headed Child of God, or not, that’s just what we need to hear. We need to hear it in our ears, and we need to hear it in our heart.

I’ll admit it, if I’m in a grumpy mood and you tell me to rejoice, I may not shoot the most pleasant glance your way. It’s the exact opposite of what we’d naturally do in a rough spot. The carnal way of responding is with sorrow, or even anger. (By the way, carnal simply means, perceived by our five senses, it doesn’t necessarily mean sinful. Just thought you should know.)

That’s when we most need that bowl of joy within us stirred up and poured all over us. That’s when we need to reach into the resources God already gave us when we chose Him.

(picture from pinterest.com)

God supplies the joy, just as He provides every other blessing we’ll ever need – or want. Whether we ask for the joy or not, it’s right there inside of us, waiting to be tapped into.

What color is your bowl? Whether you need a sip, or a shower from the bowl, it’s brimming with the greatness of God; His joy – to be enjoyed every minute of the day or night.

“…the joy of the Lord is our strength.” – Nehemiah 8:10 (KJV)

No wonder the enemy of our soul attempts so strenuously to hide our bowl from us.

“Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” – Philippians 4:4-8 (KJV)

Write Anyway

(photo from indeanexpress.com)

Writing, whether in blog format, or journaling or for a project, taps into my soul and my spirit, even when I’m not aware of it.

I suppose that’s why I neglect writing when I’m hurting or sad or fearful.

God wants me to turn to Him, of course, in those times of need, just as He wants me to share with Him in my joyous times and celebrations.

But, the heaviness of the hard times can weigh us down and tempt us to curl up in a ball inside of ourselves. We can convince ourselves not to reach outward and upward, but to reach inward and wallow in the grief and anguish.

Without God, I am undone, in good times or in bad. I just recognize it more clearly in the bad times.

Celebrations can cover over feelings of emptiness or lacking, because there are so many distractions while celebrating.

But, sometimes, a person can sink so low, that even amidst celebrations, they’re pretending; forcing the image of sharing in the revelry. That can magnify sorrows even more intensely.

I suppose most of us who put our blogs out there in cyberspace are really writing to and for ourselves. Those who have a larger following may cater more to what their readers want or even ask for. But, those of us with smaller audiences basically pour out our hearts, in hopes that perhaps something we say can bless someone in some small way.

(picture from pinterest.com)

It frustrates me that my posts have become so infrequent and sporadic. It frustrates me that I feel I have less and less to share. But, it frustrates me most, that from the wealth God has given me, I feel as though my bucket is running dry.

Feelings can betray us. If I feel as though you’re judging me and you’re not, I’m feeling something that isn’t even true. Thus, I know that I know that I know that God’s eternal life springs up within me, even when I feel my proverbial bucket has run dry.

I've got a river of life flowing out of me

makes the lame to walk and the blind to see

opens prison doors, sets the captives free

I've got a river of life flowing out of me.

Spring up, O well, within my soul

Spring up, O well, and make me whole

Spring up, O well, and give to me

that life abundantly

Click here for: River of Life Song

(photo from iamhealed.net)

Should I just stick to praying for you, instead of writing to you? Or will the enemy of my soul then seek to steal that from me, also? He’s already stolen most of my songs….not this, too!

No. I’ll write. I may continue to be sporadic and sparse, but, I’ll continue to write.

I’ll write when no one reads. I’ll write when I write through tears. I’ll write – even when I don’t share it in a blog post.

But, I’ll write.

To God be the glory. He who began a good work in me, shall be faithful to complete it.  (Philippians 1:6 paraphrased, I sometimes memorize scripture via song choruses.)

“Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.”” – John 4:13-14 (KJV)

Click here for: God Will Make a Way Song

(picture from crossmap.com)

Withholdings

(photo mine)

Have you thought about?

You have a few things that God, Himself, cannot have unless you give them to Him, He won’t take them without your permission; and yes, they’re all things He filled you with in the first place.

You have a wealth of praise flooding through your soul. You can choose where you aim it and to whom you give it. We may praise our children for their beauty or a job well done. We may praise our spouses for taking such good care of us. We may praise the doctors and nurses for care given to our loved ones or to teachers for bringing out the best in our children. We may praise our favorite performers for their talent.  And, of course, we mean it all with sincere passion.

Believe it or not, there are self-centered, hurting people who have no praise on their tongue for anyone. You see them while shopping or dining out – or even in traffic, hurling anger at everyone in their path. Even their own spouse or children do nothing praise worthy in their darkened eyes.

Yes, our praise is something God desires from us; one of those things He allows us to choose to give to Him or to withhold from him.

(photo from leloveimage.blogspot.com)

Our thankfulness. Do we thank the one who prepared our meals? Or the ones that pour into our lives daily; the ones who let us have that choice parking spot or to cut in line ahead of them? What about the folks who pick up where we slack off?  Do we thank the ones who meet our tangible needs or the needs of our souls (our mind, will and emotions)?

Yes, we choose to be thankful. And we have to choose to thank God – for everything from the prosperity in our checkbook to our families and the multitude of blessings in our lives, to the very life in our bodies and our eternal salvation.

Our love. Where do we so lavishly pour out this priceless commodity? True, we can only express love to the degree we’ve received it and allowed it to work in our hearts. How I express my love might be entirely different than the ways you do it. Check out the book The Five Love Languages by Dr. Gary Chapman. Here’s his quiz to find out your love languages: Click Here for the Quiz

Upon reflection, from whom do we withhold our love? The neighbor who made us angry? The child who hurt our child? The boss who makes us work too much? The God we perceive as letting us down? Yes – you know, the One Who created us and has laid out the plans He has for our lives – plans to prosper us and fill us with great favor. (Jeremiah 29:11)

Loving anyone is a choice. Loving God – is our choice.

Our hearts. We hold them dear, we hide them to protect them; we build walls around them to keep them safe from hurt and abandonment – sometimes even from the One Who has promised, with a promise that cannot be broken, to never leave us or forsake us. (Deuteronomy 31:6; Hebrews 13:5)

Is it even possible to love without allowing our hearts to become vulnerable? 

I think not.

(photo from A Woman of Faith, pinterest)

Is it worth pondering? Is it possible we’re withholding our hearts from God today?

In this season of Advent (advent means – the arrival of a notable person, thing or event), let’s seek this new adventure – exposing our hearts to God and giving Him what He so richly deserves and desire more than anything; our praise, our thanks, our love; our hearts.

“And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” – Deuteronomy 6:5 (KJV)

“Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;” – Deuteronomy 7:9 (KJV)

“Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” – Matthew 22:36-40 (KJV)

A Skeleton Key

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There’s always someone to blame; the lover that tore your heart from your soul, the fool who assaulted you, the teacher who said you’d never amount to anything, the kids who called you fat, the director who would never cast you in a leading role, the co-workers who mock your singing, the parent who was too overbearing or the one who didn’t care at all.

And of course, the there are always folks to point back to at pivotal points in our lives, the ones who made a positive difference; the teacher that pointed you out as a leader, the ones who saw potential in you, the parent who gave all they had to help you succeed, the friends who stuck with you through thick and thin, the lover that still loves you – faults and all, the friends who chime in with your singing - harmonizing to cover for you when you fall off key.

There are many people who have come and gone in our lives, they’ve all shaped us in one way or another. Some have shown us the evil side of everything living, others who have lifted us up when we were lying at rock bottom, those who walk beside us, and those who step on us when we’re down.

We love to revel in the joy our friends draw out of us, and we often blame our failures on those who came across our path with nothing good in their hearts.

We can harbor hatred and become more bitter with each passing day, focusing on everything negative. Or we can let go of our anger and let the enemy of our soul choke on it, focusing on all we have to be thankful for. We can approach every rock in our path as a stumbling block or a stepping stone. Certainly some are harder to get around than others, I’ve climbed a few boulders, myself. No one says this is easy.

But on behalf of those whose heart-breaking actions were unintentional and those blind to the pain they were causing at the time, I offer this olive branch, a skeleton key that opens very old doors:

“In the past I may not have loved you like I should have

I may not have loved you like you needed to be loved

I may not have poured into your life the things you wanted from me

            But, please, forgive me and let me love you now”

From those whose intent was plain evil, I have no words, but forgiveness is the same key to unlock your freedom from the hold they still have over you.

We can seek healing – or excuses, but not both. We can forgive and move forward, or point blame and wallow in our anguish. No one from our past can make that choice for us.

Enter the holidays (and the rest of your life) with joy and thanksgiving by letting go of a past that can’t be changed and embracing the future where we write the words on each page.

“…Go in peace. Your journey has the LORD’S approval.” –Judges 18:6 (NIV)

“No discipline [today’s example, the discipline of forgiveness] seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” – Hebrews 12:11 (NIV)

(Words in bracket are mine.)

“For, whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it. For theeyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” – 1 Peter 3:10-12 (NIV)

“Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance.” – Jude 1:2 (NIV)

What's a Parent to Do?

(I apologize, I don't recall where I got this picture.)

Our worth. Where does it come from? How do we build our children’s self-worth and self-esteem? How do they know they’re worth loving? How do we teach them of their tremendous value?

Is it up to us to prevent them from being quitters? Is it up to us to see to it that they become all they can be, instead of settling for whatever comes along? Is it up to us to plant seeds of confidence in them so that they don’t hop from one girlfriend/boyfriend for another in an endless search for completion?

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, our value, our worth is intrinsic. That means we were born with it, we were created with unfathomable value already built into us. It isn’t what we accomplish or how great we look that determines our value.

But do we believe that? No, I think not. If we believed it, it would show in how we carry ourselves, how we treat ourselves and others and in how we raise our children.

There’s far too much depression and fear surrounding us. When did we let that creep in? If we let it in so long ago that we don’t even remember, then it’s time we stand our ground and kick it out the front door with purpose and intent! Then we can take measures to insure it doesn’t infiltrate our lives and our homes again.

It would take many more words than a simple blog post to answer all of the above questions. But, maybe by admitting the answer to the first question, the other answers will begin to come to us.

Our value comes from our Creator. The very God that took the time to breathe life into us also placed unspeakable value into our lives. None of us is a mistake; none of us is destined to “settle” in life. Jesus Himself came to give us life and life more abundantly! He even said so! “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” – John 10:10 (KJV)

When we believe there is a God, a God Who loves us – we also have to face the fact there we have an enemy, one which seeks to steal from us, to kill us and to utterly destroy us. And he does so, simply because God loves us. If he can convince us we have little or no worth, what point is there in existing? What point is there in striving to be all we can be?

To be continued…..

Purging

(photo courtesy of 2medusa.com)

There’s so much to say on this topic, so this post is a little longer than most, and I’ll still want to say more.

The word purge comes to mind often. I’m not so much questioning why, but what it means to Christians. As you can see, there are several definitions. As you read through them, what spiritual applications come to mind? Even the definitions that pertain to bowels gain significance to me, as there are instances in the Bible (at least the KJV) where the word bowel could be translated “heart”. There are plenty of “points to ponder” here.

purge

[purj]  Show IPA verb, purged, purg·ing, noun

verb (used with object) 

1.to rid of whatever is impure or undesirable; cleanse; purify.

2.to rid, clear, or free (usually followed by of or from): to purge a political party of disloyal members.

3.to clear of imputed guilt or ritual uncleanliness.

4.to clear away or wipe out legally (an offense, accusation, etc.) by atonement or other suitableaction.

5.to remove by cleansing or purifying (often followed by away, off,  or out).

6.to clear or empty (the bowels) by causing evacuation.

7.to cause evacuation of the bowels of (a person).

8.to put to death or otherwise eliminate (undesirable or unwanted members) 

from a political organization, government, nation, etc.

From dictionary.com

We’ve all heard the phrase “binge and purge”, generally referring to those who suffer from bulimia. They’ll binge eat, then purge what they’ve eaten so as not to gain weight. So follow my lines of logic here.

Could it be that sin is to the Christian, what food is to the bulimic? Do we, as Christians sometimes find ourselves binging on behaviors we know our Lord doesn’t approve of? Then do we ask God to forgive us, or purge us of our sin, knowing that His Word says He will.

As hurtful as it is for the bulimic to destroy her body by binging and purging, it hurts us even more to binge on sinful behaviors, only to flippantly turn around and ask God’s forgiveness. The pathway to freedom becomes scarred and our hearts become hardened. Each time we knowingly displease God, we may find it easier to do it next time.

Simple example: We miss church this week. No, we’re not sick and nothing unexpected has come up, we just don’t feel like going. How much easier might it be to miss next week, too?

God instructs us to not forsake the assembling of ourselves together for good reason. When we assemble together, in His Name, we are strengthened, and perhaps, convicted; we’re taught, we’re encouraged, we draw closer to God together, as the church; the body of Christ.

The enemy of our souls knows that there’s strength in numbers and firmly believes in the old adage: divide and conquer. As he separates off the weak, or unlearned or sickly amongst us, they’re easier prey.

No, God’s not going to “send you to hell” for missing church – but He instructs us to assemble together knowing it will do us good and bring Him glory. And, note, He doesn’t tell us to simply show up. When you buy that shiny new bike for your grandchild, it has to be assembled. All the pieces lying there on the floor unassembled don’t do the child any good at all.

Another example: Offensive language has become the norm and acceptable most everywhere. It’s a common symptom of a lazy mind, but yet, because everyone else does it, some of us chime in, too. We know full well God hears our words before they leave our lips. The more we use the lazy, offensive words, the more easily they pour out of our mouth. So, we binge on them.

One more? Secular music fills the air. Do I listen to it? Yes. But, I have to be careful to guard what I’m listening to and taking into my spirit. Are the lyrics negative and self-defeating? We have enough of those tape recordings playing in our heads; we don’t need the help of a catchy tune that keeps us rehearsing those words all day long and into our dreams. “Poor lonesome me…” and “Blue~~~~” drawn out with a yodeling sound, and countless other country songs come to mind, as well as some of the words to the easy listening sounds of The Carpenters. Or the harsh words, “Momma, just killed a man, put a gun against his head, pull my trigger now he’s dead…” Across all genres of music, we’ll find words we know we don’t agree with and really don’t want being stored in our minds. Even some Christian songs provide verses that don’t line up with God’s Word.

But, the more we turn our radio dial to secular stations, the more often we’re listening to music without paying attention to what we’re taking in. I remember a phrase from the 80s “garbage in – garbage out”. It’s no wonder we find ourselves using “lazy” words sometimes.

Will God forgive that binging? Of course. 1 John 1:9 tells us that He is faithful to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us of all unrighteousness. But when we ask for that forgiveness, He’s looking at the condition of our heart. Ever make that promise to God: Please, God, just get me through this vomiting, or this hangover (as we hover over the ol’ porcelain god) and I’ll never drink again; knowing full well you’d drink again?

God sees our hearts, even when we hide from them.

No wonder the word “purge” comes to mind so often…

What Won't I Look At?

(painting by Sarah Boardman)

Various topics can bring feelings of sorrow or sadness, just as some can bring feelings of joy and anticipation. But, what about when you can’t put your finger on what you’re feeling – or what brought those feelings on in the first place?

Today I looked at an internet piece on emotional eating, it was aimed at readers that may be eating for emotional reasons, not simply because they’re hungry.

Let’s face it, we eat for lots of reasons. There’s an old saying that goes: We are Americans; we eat when we’re not hungry, we drink when we’re not thirsty and we spend money we don’t have. It’s not really a saying that we, as Americans want to aspire to, but, too often, true.

Sometimes we eat because we’re sad. Sometimes because we’re celebrating, sometimes simply because the food is in front of us and we mindlessly put it into our mouths.

And if that wasn’t bad enough, most of the time the things we consume are a conglomeration of toxins we poison ourselves with; not really even food at all.

That brings us around to a topic that should make us sad and even angry.

If we stop and ask ourselves right now, knowing no one but God can hear our thoughts and answers: What emotions am I feeling right now? What answers will we list?

Then if ask why we’re feeling this way? How do we explain ourselves?

Some of us don’t resort to eating, we resort to shopping, or overworking ourselves, or we become addicted to working out, or we gamble or get drunk as often as we can. Why? An attempt to avoid facing something about our lives or ourselves that makes us ache?

What could be so bad about us, or about our lives that we can’t face it? In light of the fact that we’re not facing it alone, but with Almighty God – and all the resources of heaven, shouldn’t it be easier to look in the mirror and see our whole selves? If there’s a change we can make, why not make it instead of running from the reality of the need and hiding behind food or other addictions?

Ponder this with me, if you would. Give me your input, offer up some insight that might help us all. I'm looking for your comments and suggestions. I hope one of my next posts will shed some light on the subject with a mixture of your thoughts and mine.

James 1:22-24  Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.  (NIV)

On a Rainy Day...You Can See Eternity

(photo courtesy of stock-clip.com)

 There’s something cleansing about watching raindrops pelt against the window, even though it’s not getting us wet. It’s almost like something in us is liberated as the water is set free from the clouds. Before long, it makes you want to close your eyes and immerse yourself into something bigger. Whether it’s a vicious storm or a gentle shower, rain has a way of quieting something inside of us. (Unless, of course, you’re running for cover.)

How can anyone deny that we’re all part of something much bigger than ourselves? Is it really possible to be so disconnected that we can deny the existence of the God that gives us breath each day? Can we reach out and feel absolutely nothing to connect with? Have we really been severed off and pushed aside, or have we done the severing? Or is it all an elaborate illusion, created to deny us the love we so violently crave? How can we know?

I recall many years ago when I asked the question, “…how can I know for sure?” I wanted to believe there was a God and that He loves me unconditionally, just as I’d heard. But, I reasoned that if He loved me, surely He must know me; and if He knew me, He could surely not love me.

After I asked the question, the man sharing God’s love with me smiled and quoted this scripture: These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. ~1 John 5:13 (KJV)

God knew way back when He inspired this scripture that I’d need it to answer my question centuries later. In a way only He can do so, He quickened my heart and I came alive. His Word spoke to the inner-most longing of my soul.

Even, from time to time, as I’ve turned my ear from what He speaks to my heart, He continues to love me unconditionally, wooing me and providing for me.

Void

Void. Each of us walks around with a void in our lives. We’re in constant search for something to fill that vacuum. Some of us look to people, some to substance – and wind up abusing either out of the frustration that results from the void burning a hole through our hearts like a magnified ray of sun burning it’s way through a thin piece of paper.

 

It may sound cliché to say that this hole in our being is a god-shaped void. What we fill it with becomes our god; what we put before everything else, until it fails to satisfy us. Then we go off in search of another god.

 

More specifically, this emptiness is a God-shaped void that only He can fill completely and perfect and forever. Everything and everyone else will fail us.

 

Children love unconditionally! If only I had a child, that would fill my void!

 

A spouse, a mate, a life partner – surely that will erase my loneliness!

 

Success, which will absolutely keep me so busy I won’t have time to notice this emptiness!

 

Money! If I have money to spend on whatever I want, that will satisfy me!

 

The hunger within us grows.

 

The children, the partner, the success and the money leave me lacking still.

 

Alcohol! The preferred method of many to numb the sting of heartache, sorrow, lack of direction or the overwhelming pressure we’ve created to fill that void on our own. Or drugs, recreational or prescribed, it doesn’t matter, they will lull us to a place where nothing matters, not even our emptiness.

 

No, even the chemicals that dim our inhibitions can’t drown out the deafening sounds of the silence in our soul. No addiction found by man can drive away the darkness that strives to swallow us up, daily.

 

Why, oh why must we turn every direction we see, searching out fulfillment, running after it – until we’re exhausted? We need only to look up, our redemption draws near…

 

Why, oh why do we search in vain, hurting ourselves and others in the process? God is there, as close as the mention of His Name.

 

When we turn to God and admit our brokenness, bowing before Him in need of mercy and grace, does that fix everything that’s wrong in our lives?

 

No. We’re still left with struggles, circumstances that we’d rather not face. We still search the path to heavenly eternity.

 

But now, we have the light to see the path before us. The light of God, shining from within us, which can only be extinguished if we choose to turn against it.

 

Now, we have peace in our soul, our only hunger is for more of Him. Now we are assured of eternal rest and joy for the journey.

 

Now, and only now, the God-shaped void is filled and we have peace.

 

 

Deuteronomy 4:29 “But if from thence thou shalt seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.”  (KJV)

 

Psalm 105:4 “Seek the Lord, and his strength: seek his face evermore.” (KJV)

 

Isaiah 55:6 “Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near”

 

Acts 17:27 “That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us”