Monday, September 18, 2023

Every once in a while I get the urge to reach out to someone, but after I call or text them, I’m left wanting more. The need for connection is still there, and I'm still feeling empty. They just couldn’t provide what I was looking for … what I needed. 

Through no fault of their own, the people I reach out to cannot fully help me, because they are not God. I have found that no one can fill me up the way he can. He never leaves me feeling alone or empty. I have to remind myself that God is where my help comes from. So rather than picking up my phone, I should hit my knees and reach out to the Father instead.

Genesis 1:2
The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.

When I stop and think about it, going back to Genesis, the earth was never alone either. Formless and empty, but not alone—God was nearby. God’s Spirit is what fills us up, too. Knowing this, how is it we let ourselves feel empty? God created the world and filled it with beauty and life, including us. Yet, he didn’t just create us, he actually dwells within us when we accept Jesus into our lives. We are full of life with God for eternity. Let that sink in when you feel alone. I don't know about you, but that fills me with a joy that is available from no other source.

Romans 15:13
I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

To be filled with the Spirit is so much more than going to church and lifting my hands. It is a constant reminder of how living life as a Christ follower is supposed to be—full of love and joy and looking for the best in every situation. It's not always easy! Certainly, some tough choices are not very joyful in the moment. But when they’re made from a heart of obedience to the Lord and prayed over, the outcome, no matter how scary, painful, or sorrowful, is better because you can be certain it belongs to him. 

Questions:
Do you ever feel empty or alone? How do you normally try to fill this void? Is there someone you can reach out to for help pointing you back to Jesus?

Next Steps:
Join a Group to not only deepen your faith but also build relationships with other Christ-centered people who will help you fill a void and direct you to Christ. Check out “The Daily” feature on the App to pray, stay in the Word, and express gratitude each day.  

Prayer: 
God, you are my help when I feel like I have none. Fill me with your love when I feel empty or alone. Remind me that you will never leave me so that I can be a light and remind others of this glorious truth. With you, I am not alone, and I am not empty. I know you love me and will never abandon me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Series Theme Verse:
John 14:26
“But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.”

This post was written by Casey Stengel, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.