Sometimes I have a strange gnawing, a feeling of emptiness, that seems hard to fill. Have you felt this? You may (like I have), tried unsuccessfully, to calm this feeling in a myriad of ways. But there is a solution – exchange our emptiness for God’s peace.
How We Try to Fill Our Emptiness
I remembered those ineffective attempts when I was watching Hyde and Ricoh this week. These two cute dogs were constantly looking for food.
But they were not hungry. They are well-fed and healthy.
I shook my head smiling at their antics. But I recognized some of my behaviors in theirs. Just this afternoon, I found myself gazing into the fridge, scanning for something that would satisfy the gnawing I felt. Anyone else experience that – especially now?
But, I know, and you probably do too, that the deep hunger doesn’t get satiated, or go down with eating. The only result: my pant size goes up 😊.
Looking for approval from people also falls short of satisfying. An unquenchable thirst for more is all I have experienced. A search for more accolades, more opportunities to showcase my usefulness But emptiness remains.
Many different attempts – but still no filling.
But there is a solution to this seemingly endless quest.
God’s Plan to Exchange Our Emptiness for His Peace
God intends us, wants us, to be filled. To be satisfied by Him.
These verses explain more.
“Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; And you who have no money come, buy grain and eat. Come, buy wine and milk Without money and without cost [simply accept it as a gift from God].2 “Why do you spend money for that which is not bread, And your earnings for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good,
And let your soul delight in abundance.” Isaiah 55:1-2 (AMP)
I picture feasting at a banquet table.
Everyone, thirsty or hungry, is invited. There is no cost, they – we, get to choose. We can choose to accept the gift that is provided. Or continue in our own pursuits.
How Does the Exchange Work?
A gift of abundance. One that satisfies.
But what is the gift? If we don’t buy it how is it obtained?
The gift is knowing Jesus and experiencing the peace this brings. It is a gift that can be received more than once.
The first gift of coming to drink at the water is salvation. That first life-altering gift is one we get to choose. Just by saying yes. That you believe Jesus willingly died to pay for our sin.
But the gift doesn’t stop there. We can go to the water and be filled as often as we want. And as we do, we grow closer to Jesus.
We only have to remember.
I can feel my face crease with delight as I think about this un-earned and indescribably rich gift. We get to know Jesus.
We can talk and listen to Him. And as we do, we develop a relationship.
And that hunger that pulses in my soul? It is satisfied, replaced by peace.
You might think this sounds good, but how? Where to start?
Here are some practical steps that you can begin today.
Practical Steps to Take in Our Everyday Lives to Exchange Emptiness for God’s Peace
- Spend time talking to Jesus by praying.
- Spend time getting to know Him by studying the Bible. Take your time.
- If you are having trouble seeing how it applies to you, a devotional book is a good place to start.
- Or consider joining a Bible Study. There are a lot of free online or self-study resources. (For this time of limited in-person meetings.)
- I write down my thoughts and bible verses that stand out to me in a notebook. It helps me think through what I am learning.
- Worship Him, listen to praise songs and, sing along. I really enjoy this one from Hillsong. And Come to the Table by Sidewalk Prophets, that reminds me of the gift He gives.
Here are some other ways to grow closer to Jesus in everyday life that help me.
Experience God’s Peace and Abundance
Now, when I realize I am feeling empty, I look to see what I am doing to get full. If it’s something I know doesn’t work, like the fridge incident today 😊 I walk away.
And choose to exchange my emptiness for God’s peace. (Again. I am thankful that there are no limits on the number of trips.)
It’s definitely a process for me. You might find that too.
But, it’s worth it! Let’s at verse 2 again:
2 “Why do you spend money for that which is not bread,
And your earnings for what does not satisfy?
Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good,
And let your soul delight in abundance.” Isaiah 55:2 (AMP)
Why should I continue wasting my time, energy, and, sometimes money chasing things that do not work?
If I accept the free gift and go back to Jesus, I will be eating what is good.
As a result, I can let my soul delight in abundance.
May you experience that abundance as you take steps to drink and eat from the only one that truly satisfies. And may you experience joy in the journey.