PRAISE & PRAYER PROMPT ••• You’ve undoubtedly heard the saying, “We’re all born with a God-shaped hole in our heart.” Or some variation thereof. I totally agree with this. We all know people, including ourselves, who attempt to fill our emptiness with things, people, or substances. Whatever brand of self-medicating we try, nothing will ever fill the space that is meant for God alone.
When I was a prodigal, one of my attempts to fill emptiness was through collecting. For over 25 years, I’ve been amateur Gone With the Wind historian. My house is full of GWTW references and I have a particular affinity for antique editions of the book. I have about 20 copies in my living room alone.
There was a thrill that came from adding to my GWTW collection and eBay is proof that I should not be trusted near an auction. I’ve spent a ridiculous amount of money on GWTW stuff. And while I’ve still got much of it, a lot of it is in storage… Frankly, I’d be willing to sell most of it. I just don’t have time to photograph, catalog, and list it all. It’s a lot.
There’s nothing wrong with collecting. But for a long time, my collection was an obsession. It’s not anymore and while I still enjoy the story of GWTW, as well as the history of the author and how the movie was made, it’s not a consuming pastime for me anymore.
When I gave my life back to Jesus, I finally understood about the God-sized hole. Whenever we try to fill our lives with anything other than Jesus, we will come up short. Stuff… other people… drinking and drugs… none of that will ever leave us satisfied. Nor can we depend on any of it in the times of crisis.
So we approach the Throne of Grace. Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (ESV). Only at the Throne of Grace will we find satisfaction, peace, and contentment. Even if our circumstances are difficult, the Throne gives us the comfort we need in every situation.
Whatever we use to attempt to fill the emptiness will only leave us feeling more empty. Jesus fills us to overflowing when we let Him.
Today, as you pray, thank God for the space in your heart that belongs to Him alone. Thank Him for the peace, mercy, grace, and love He offers at the Throne. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you keep Jesus your heart’s focus rather than trying to substitute other things for what only He can offer.
