To feel empty is not usually a pleasant feeling, and yet sometimes it’s necessary.
Last Saturday night I had dinner with some friends at an awesome Mexican restaurant. We pigged out on chips and salsa, beef, chicken, and amazing enchiladas. We ended the dinner with strawberries, bananas, and chocolate fondue. I left feeling stuffed.
But after this feast I noticed that my clothes were feeling a bit snug. So I’m cutting back a bit on my portions, choosing salad instead of pizza, and avoiding ice cream. Sometimes my stomach gives a little growl. I don’t like it, but I remind myself that sometimes empty is good.
Asking God to Fill
I remembered this when I read this verse:
We have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.
That word fill caught my eye. I like to be full. I’d much rather have a satisfied stomach–full of chocolate fondue–than have a growling tummy.
In my spiritual life I like to be full too. And so I try to fill my life with many things that I think will satisfy my hungry heart. I try busyness, working harder, volunteer positions, and new sweaters. But somehow that doesn’t work.
According to Colossians, what I need to be filled with is the knowledge of God’s will. At first that doesn’t even sound appealing. But then I stop and think a moment. What would it feel like to know more of God’s purpose, to have a little more wisdom, a bit more spiritual understanding? I think it would give me more perspective, a greater vision of how my small life fits into God’s big story. It would untangle the tension in my soul. It would satisfy my heart.
God is reminding me that being filled with the knowledge of his will is something I need everyday. It’s not a one time fill-up. It’s a daily turning to Him with an open heart, ready to be stuffed with grace.
Come to God Empty
To be filled with the knowledge of God’s will, I need to come empty–without my preconceived ideas of what I want or what I think I want. I need to rest In Him and open my heart, ready to receive His wisdom and reassurance and love.
Although I’d always like to be full of chocolate fondue and of my own plans, sometimes empty is good. Empty gives room for change. Empty makes room for God to fill my life.
Next step: Take a few minutes to empty out your heart to God. Tell Him all your frustrations and disappointments. Confess your sins. Ask Him to show you where your preconceived ideas of what you think you want are getting in the way of the wonderful things He has in mind for you. A useful practice I like to use for this is the Palms Down, Palms Up Prayer. Check it out here.