You know the feeling. You’re restless and anxious. You may be fidgety, uncomfortable in your own skin. Maybe you blame it on cabin fever, “I just need to get out.” Or maybe you blame it on the stress of your job, your family, your bills. Either way, you need to do something.
It’s at this point we face a critical decision. Do we turn to God as our strength? Or do we turn to something else to fill this hole?
You see it in other people too. The overbearing Little League parent. The workaholic. The person that always seems to be on edge. The addict.
What we all have in common is the need to be filled. We think pleasure will fill us, but that never seems to satisfy. We think companionship will fill us, but people will always let us down. We think accomplishments will fill us, but those never last.
For me lately, I turn to my comfort food and an opportunity to check-out. Give me a dozen wings and a big screen and don’t bother me for a couple of hours. I’ll fill my stomach and I’ll fill my mind, but that hole still remains.
That’s because this hole isn’t in my mind or my body, but is in my soul. This “God-shaped hole” can only be filled with a deep, meaningful, purposeful relationship with our Creator. Prayer, studying the Word, seeking out His will by serving others, doing what is right. These are the things that fill this hole. But we use that up. Like a gas tank on a long journey, we need to keep stopping to fill ourselves up.
It’s a long journey, this life. Don’t try to travel on an empty tank.
(This post is part of Bridget Chumbley’s Blog Carnival. This week’s topic is emptiness.)
I will keep your meaningful words, Don't travel on an empty tank" in mind the next time I am trying to fill that "God-shaped hole." Thought-provoking post; thanks for sharing!
So many of us try to fill the emptiness with physical food when it's our spiritual tank that needs filling. Good post!
We fill our stomachs, but they're only full until the next meal. We fill our lives with things, but we're only full until the next new things. We chase after that wind with all our might.
Good post, Fatha Frank.
Thanks, all, for the feedback! It's 5:30 in the morning and I'm hungry! Need breakfast AND the Bible. 🙂
I too love these meaningful words — "Don't travel on an empty tank"
And thank you for your visit this morning!
Blessings,
Louise
Such temporary fulfillment and satisfaction… but I sure do love a fried pie when I feel 'empty' too.
Thanks for this, Fatha Frank.
I like this post!
And the way you write!
It feels like I could kick back, relax, and hang out here for a while. I'm signing up to receive further updates. See you around!
@Louise: you're welcome! Enjoy reading your posts.
@Bridget: Mmmm, pie
@Duane: Glad you feel so welcome. And thanks for the great encouragement! Let's kick back anytime!
Very good. Very accurately described… I go through this so often. Intending, hoping to fill the hole. Instead, I become side-tracked, and just as when I'm on a long trip, sometimes forget to fill the gas tank until the warning bell goes off and then I have to hope I can find someplace quickly. Thanks for your creative insight.
@caryjo: Thanks for stopping by! I'm glad I'm not the only one who doesn't get through the whole carnival in a day.
Too often I rely on the warning light to remind me to fill up. Sometimes it doesn't come on though, and I find myself in big trouble.