Weekly Inspiration

Only God Can Fill The Void

I've been having this subject on my heart for awhile now but have been putting it off because I just didn't quite know how to put it into words, so I'll try my best.

I'm sure many of us at certain times in life have felt like something was missing in our lives, felt an emptiness or have felt like things just weren't quite right.

Most of us have felt or know others who have felt like things would be so much better if "I just had a new car"... or a bigger house... or more money, or...fill in the blank!  A lot of people have even felt like things would improve in their lives if they could just find a husband/wife or start a family.  Whether a person feels a material void or an emotional void, the underlying cause is usually the same.

A lot of times we will go after those things that we think would make us feel better but if we actually end up getting them we will realize that after the excitement has worn off, we're right back to feeling "empty".  Even after someone finds the spouse that they want or finally starts a family, he or she will often realize that he or she still feels like something is missing. 

I can honestly say that I have gone through similar experiences in the past where I felt like "Things would be so much better if I only had...".  However, I eventually realized that nothing externally can fill an internal void.  No thing, no place, no person...only GOD! The bible even tells us to be content with what we have. I know this to be true because I've noticed over the years that it was once I finally "accepted" my circumstances for what they were, that they changed. 

When people continue to chase after things day after day and focus on what they don't have, it can cause a very anxious or unhappy life.  Sometimes when they feel that things in their lives don't change as quickly as they would like, they unfortunately do the only thing that they can think of which is try to ease the pain.  This can lead to alcohol, cigarettes, promiscuity or drugs (legal and illegal).  I know some people in those situations and my heart truly goes out to them.

When someone feels that something is "missing" it's usually a disconnect from God.  We go through so many things in life that can pull us further and further away without us even realizing it.  Also, with society the way it is today, it's not hard to accidentally start focusing on the wrong things.  When this happens, we need to get closer to God.  I won't claim to be an expert but I will share with you what worked for me.

The thing that has allowed me to be content in life is prayer and meditation.  I started religiously doing this and it completely transformed my life.  It didn't happen overnight but it really didn't take as long as I thought it would.  I notice that a lot of people pray but don't really meditate.  When I say meditate, I'm not talking about a lot of the New Age stuff which tells you what to say and do.  No, I'm talking about simply having alone time with God. Don't ask for anything, don't say anything, just be quiet.  Prayers of thanksgiving and praise are great. They should be done as well but it's the quiet time alone with God that truly allows us to listen and hear him.  That's why Joshua 1:8 and Psalm 1:2 in the bible tells us to meditate.

In addition to prayer and meditation, I also read at least one verse from the bible when I wake up in the morning and another before I go to bed at night.  This has been my routine for the last few years and I can honestly say that I am a changed person because of it.  It was actually while I was meditating a couple of years ago when God revealed my life's purpose to me.  It was December of 2013... I will never forget!  Not only have I received peace and contentment, but it has also changed how I interact with other people.  It has allowed me to be a lot more patient, a lot more loving and a lot more accepting. 

I can imagine that if you have small children (or any children), it may be a challenge for you to find alone time but I encourage you to try. Maybe wake up a little earlier or work something out with your spouse to look after the kids for about 30 minutes so that you can have that time.  Everyone's situation is different so of course you have to do what works best for you.

If you are feeling an emptiness or void in your life, let my testimony allow you to know that there is light at the end of the tunnel.  Just know that God is waiting to fill that void for you and make you whole! 

God bless.