Have you ever felt empty? Or have you ever felt like something was missing?
Several years ago I wrote a Bible-marking article on the idea of “being filled.” It was an encouraging study because it was a reminder of the good things our hearts can be filled with as we seek the Lord and live for Him.
Here are just a few examples:
Joy-Acts 13:52; 2 Tim. 1:4
The Holy Spirit- Acts 13:52; Eph. 5:18
Peace and goodness and knowledge- Rom. 15:13-14
Comfort- 2 Cor. 7:4
The fullness of God- Eph. 3:19
The fruit of righteousness- Phil. 1:11
Spiritual wisdom and understanding- Col. 1:9
We can still sometimes struggle, though, even as children of God. That’s why it’s so important to spend time with God’s people. Being with brothers and sisters in Christ helps us fill our spiritual tanks back up when we’re feeling empty. When I’m with God’s people, I can SEE joy and goodness and righteousness. When I’m low on peace or comfort or understanding, I can lean into theirs for awhile. And I know others will need the same from me from time to time, too.
“And the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.”
May was kind of a difficult month for us. We attended my first cousin’s memorial. Our youngest son was in a serious motorcycle accident. And my brother-in-law was admitted to Trauma ICU. It seemed like every week I was asking for prayers on behalf of our family. May has always been my favorite month of the year. Spring is in full force and we celebrate Mother’s Day, my birthday, and our anniversary. I usually want the month to go by slowly so I can enjoy it to the fullest. This year, though, I couldn’t help but feel a little relieved when it was time to turn the calendar page.
May also contained reasons for rejoicing. My sister came for a visit. Neal and I celebrated 29 years together. And our youngest son got married. Sometimes God’s blessings shine brighter during times of trouble. I hadn’t seen my sister in ages and was extra grateful to spend time with her. Carl’s marriage to our beautiful new daughter-in-law was especially joyful in light of his recent accident. But as I thought back over last month’s events, it dawned on me that God’s goodness was evident in more than the obvious ways. We also saw it through the many prayers offered on our behalf. We were blessed by fellow Christians offering to house family members visiting the hospital. Brothers and sisters were checking in with us and letting us know they cared. We were given many words of encouragement and love.
Things may not always go the way we expect. Sometimes happy events are interrupted by the trials of life. Loss, fear, illness, trauma, disappointments…even in these we can see God with us. We can be reminded that we need each other and can ask for help. We can grow closer to God as we lean on Him or cry out to Him. We can see God’s goodness in the Family He gave us. And we have a unique opportunity to look within ourselves and see if we are as quick and willing to reach out to those in need.
May has passed but the troubles haven’t. I know people struggling or suffering, and so do you. I thank God for His consistent goodness even through hard times! May we always see it and share it.
“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!” -Psalm 34:8
“Oh, how abundant is Your goodness, which You have stored up for those who fear You and worked for those who take refuge in You…” -Psalm 31:19
“The Lord is good to all, and His mercy is over all that He has made.” -Psalm 145:9
“I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living!” -Psalm 27:13
Janelle snapped this precious pic of Emily and me praying before the ceremony.
Life and Favor (Job 10:12) 