Ever wonder why we can achieve goals or obtain coveted material possessions, yet still feel like something is missing? There are many things in life we strive for, and once we get there, the thrill is gone. We are then left craving the next great thing or our next move. Or maybe we imagine if our circumstances were a certain way we would be “happier.” So, we change our home décor to look like the Pinterest picture we saw, even if it puts us into debt. We courted that relationship, changed ourselves to be accepted by that person or group. We worked ourselves into exhaustion and frustration to climb the ladder. After the congratulations fade away, we are left staring at the debris in our wake. We start to wonder, why is discontent still present? Why do I still feel something is missing? At times, we want a certain something so much we use up all our own strength to get it. Then we are crushed when we realize it may not have been the right thing after all. Or we may be stuck in disappointment and despair when these things never come to fruition. The hurt and broken pieces leave our hearts in disrepair.
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of the stars
and calls them each by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.”
Psalm 143:3-5
There was a season where I made decisions out of restlessness in order to move things forward. I would pray about them but maybe not long enough to hear the answer. I would move forward in my own strength, hoping God would essentially catch up to me. Those decisions led me to put my time into things that were ultimately not worth it. This left me feeling exhausted, overwhelmed with disappointment, and at a crossroads. I had to examine the holes in my own heart. What was I striving to fill, and why wasn’t God enough? The pieces that kept breaking off and the edges were worn from my constant attempt to repair in vain. I had to ask God, why do I keep trying to do this on my own? What is causing me not to surrender this piece of my heart to you? I am so grateful he is a merciful God. Every day is a new day in him. Another chance to come to him with my broken pieces. I do not have to put them all back together on my own. He can create in me a new heart.
“A new heart I will give you and a new spirit will I put within you, and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.”
Ezekiel 36:26
We can come to him over and over, resting assured he knows exactly what we need. He knows how to fill the empty spaces of our hearts. Not in a superficial way, but in a supernatural way. Not with candy or flowers that will wilt, but with strength when you have none. Wisdom and clarity where needed, with peace that surpasses understanding during a storm. All if we can put aside our efforts and let God move in our hearts. Then, as our hearts are healed, they will overflow with the love of the Lord, and it will most certainly spill onto others.
Enjoy this recipe to share with your friends and family! (Click on the image to download)
Consider a few extra resources:
- Teaching kids to love their neighbor
- Fun Easter traditions that honor the resurrection
- Sharing more than presents this Christmas
