Have you ever wondered why people chase after so many different things in life? For some, that pursuit becomes desperate and leads to destruction; as we see from a world filled with so much addiction, compulsion, and brokenness. We’re ever in search of happiness, peace, entertainment and at times, even things that will numb us from the emptiness of our fruitless pursuit. Having once chased after many things myself, I’m so thankful I came to the realization that nothing in this life could possibly meet the inner cry of my heart – only God could. That’s because we were all created with a God-shaped void, that only He could fill. To try and satisfy it with anything else, will only leave us empty and broken.
Sadly, when sin entered the world, man began to look for things other than God to meet the inner cry of their heart. In fact, the original sin was believing that there was possibly something else that could satisfy more than Him. Adam and Eve fell for the carrot the enemy dangled before their eyes, as if God were holding something back from them. They believed the lie and traded perfection for the counterfeit. We may look harshly on Adam and Eve’s downfall, yet how often have we done the same? The dangling carrot before our eyes can be anything – relationships, material possessions, recognition, position, money, comfort… the list goes on. We’re deceived into believing that these things will meet our needs, boost our ego, quiet the chatter in our minds, or calm the storm in our hearts.
I read a story not too long ago of a famous television personality who appeared to be very successful in every area of her life. She shared, however, that something felt like it was missing. She felt an emptiness that would not go away. To fill this emptiness, she would shop. It was a harmless hobby as she was very well-off, that is, until it wasn’t. Before she knew it, she was addicted; shopping compulsively day and night, ordering things online, things she didn’t need, things for other people, just more things; hoping to somehow fill the emptiness within her. This is not an isolated example. We live in a world where every addiction possible exists – food addiction, drug addiction, sex addiction, shopping addiction, approval addiction …. And on and on and on. Eventually, this woman spent every cent she had and then some, leaving her in tremendous debt, with greater emptiness, and now much trouble in life. As I read her story, I would never have imagined this being her struggle, based on the outward image she presented to the world. But the truth is, it doesn’t matter who you are, we were all were created by God and for God; and only He can fill us and satisfy that inner cry of our hearts.
For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
Colossians 1:16 (KJV)
When I recognized that a relationship with God was the answer to the longing in my own heart and began to pursue intimacy with Him, my whole life changed. I no longer looked to other things or people. I was no longer empty, sad, restless or confused by the continual state of feeling like something was missing from my life. I finally found what, or rather Who my soul craved. When you taste and see that the Lord is good, you understand that nothing and no one can compare. Even now, when life gets busy and my time spent with God gets cut shorter than I’d like, that empty feeling arises and reminds me to run quickly to the only One who can satisfy me.
As the deer longs for streams of water,
so I long for you, O God.
I thirst for God, the living God…
Psalm 42:1-2a (NLT)
Jesus shared this truth with those who followed Him in the Gospel of John when He declared Himself to be “The Bread of Life.” Jesus declared that as “The Bread of Life,” He would satisfy them and they would never hunger or thirst again (John 6:35). Jesus used this natural example of food because we can relate to it. Imagine never being hungry or thirsty again?? I laugh as I think of what it’s like to go a long time without food. Usually, I’ll feel very weak and shaky, but I know many people who also get “hangry,” and I realize there are a lot of weak, shaky, and “hangry” Christians out there- Those who are not partaking of “The Bread of Life.” They are weak and malnourished because they are not being sustained by God. May this never describe us, and if it does, may we quickly rectify the situation by running into the ever-open arms of our Heavenly Father.
These days, I watch the world with a broken heart. People are desperately searching… People are empty and broken. People are in need to be filled with God. As Christians, we must know and live this valuable truth for ourselves, so that we can share it with others. As I write this, I pray that we as the people of God would grow closer to the One who desires to commune with us daily. That the satisfaction we find in Him and Him alone, would become evident to all around us. So much so, that people would want what we have, and we can point them to Him.
One of the reasons I wrote my new Bible Study, was because time in God’s Word is one of the most fulfilling ways to commune with God. It changed and continues to change my life every single day. If you’re in need of a Bible study, you can check my new one out HERE. But however you choose to spend time with the Lord, I encourage you to seek Him fervently – each day, one moment at a time, knowing His arms are always open and His love for you abounds. Be filled with Him and be satisfied.
