Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Philippians 2:5-8
Many people go through seasons of life where they feel empty, unfulfilled, flat, dull, hollow, or detached. Songwriters have described this feeling with the words, "Nothing really matters." So, we know the struggle with feeling empty is not uncommon, but it can be very disconcerting and even frightening.
For some people, emptiness is a long-standing feeling. They have always felt disconnected, as if something was missing, or like they have a void inside of them. Others are surprised by this feeling, usually after years of personal achievement and apparent success as with King Solomon, who wrote, "Meaningless! Meaningless!" says the Teacher. "Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless" (Ecclesiastes 1:2).
The world, our flesh, and the devil all continually reassure us that we can find satisfaction and fill the void ourselves; we only need more stuff, new stuff, better stuff. Or we need to work harder and achieve more so that we can go on better vacations and have more exciting experiences. And if that doesn't work, advertisements and billboards aplenty try to persuade us to try this pill or that pill to relieve our feelings of emptiness. Or if we don't like pills, we might consider the myriad of networks, stations, videos, and podcasts encouraging us to fill the void with more children, family, friends, ministry, activity, movies, music, food, alcohol, sports, sex, news, politics, fashion, or games. Sadly, while these things are not necessarily bad, if we seek to fill ourselves up with them, we will be left feeling disheartened, still wanting more, numb, and exhausted from the pursuit.
Dear friend, there is another way, a better way to address your feelings of emptiness! If you are feeling empty today, you can look to Jesus and be filled and satisfied in Him!
Perhaps you are thinking, “I believe in Jesus, but I still feel empty.” Friend, there is a difference in merely believing (having head knowledge) and being filled with Christ. James wrote, “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.” (James 2:19) As Christians, we don’t merely believe in Jesus; He is our life (Colossians 3:4).
If you would be rid of your feelings of emptiness and experience the fullness that is in Christ, you’ve only to look to Jesus and behold His cross where He suffered for your sin, where He emptied Himself to fill you (Ephesians 3:19). Come and lift your heart to Him and receive all the love, life, healing, and wholeness that flows from Him.
Jesus went to the cross and emptied Himself completely so that you might receive the Holy Spirit (Galatians 3:14) and everything you need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). He poured out His life to fill yours up with His amazing love (1 John 3:1), abundant joy (1 Peter 1:8), and peace that passes understanding (Philippians 4:7).