Photo by Ryan Beltz on Unsplash

Dear First Family and Friends,

“Nature abhors a vacuum.” Wherever an empty space exists, it’s natural for something to try filling it. “Boredom” is a vacuum of the mind. When we’re bored, we try to fill the boredom with something, anything! Billy Graham noted that Americans must be among the most bored people in the world. Unable to fill our own time, he noted Americans spend huge amounts of money to pay others to fill our time for us. Most often, after spending the money to fill the vacuum, we’re not satisfied. Then we search for something else to fill the vacuum.

God, through His prophet Isaiah, asks, “Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? (Isaiah 55:2a)” Then He answers His own question, “Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant… (Isaiah 55:2b-3)” God knows we long to fill this hole in our lives. He knows we try to fill it with things which can’t possibly satisfy. He knows we’re trying to fill a “God-shaped hole” in our lives with things of a different shape. It may look like a good fit initially. However, over time, we come to find out – it doesn’t fit. Only God can fill this hole in our lives.

Using images of physical hunger and thirst, God encourages us to rely on Him to fill the vacuums in our lives. Quench your thirst and satisfy your hunger, not with material, earthly things – which simply wear out – leading to continued thirst and hunger. Instead, fill yourself with God’s Word and His promises. Let God transform your appetite, enabling you to finally be satisfied as you live out the life He has given you – doing the work He has called you to do with the gifts He has blessed you with to do them. Then, you will be eternally filled.

In Christ’s Love,

Pastor Jim