The Inescapable Void

The world can seem like such a big and empty place. Indeed, it was such in the beginning. Now, there are billions of people around the globe. Still, there are times when you can still feel alone in the vastness of the world. The strange thing, however, is that the void that we feel exists beyond actually stems from within us. Haven't you noticed how everything seems more beautiful when you are happy and the complete opposite when you are sad? Such is the power of your mind. Everything becomes a reflection of your beliefs. This is why people often say that man creates God in his own image instead of vice versa. To respond to what you believe to be an imperfect world, let us first take a look at what is within us.

How often do you feel an empty, gnawing feeling within you? How many times do you ask yourself, "What's the purpose of my life?"

There is a time in everyone's life when these emotions and questions will inevitably go through our minds. Even Jesus in Matthew 26:30 said that "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death." Everyone feels fear. Everyone feels emptiness. During these times, it would be great if we had someone we can lean-to and trust. However, life does not always grant us this option. Despite the fact that Jesus had his disciples, none of them were able to stay awake with him for even an hour when he requested them to keep watch with him and pray. This is the same in our lives.

We all have someone we love and, yes, someone who loves us. Unfortunately, despite our belief that "love makes the world go round" and "love is all we need", love can fail us. Why? Because our concept of love is self-centered. We see love as an emotion that should make us happy at all times. It should serve our needs and make everything all right. We look at love as more of something that we get and then enjoy. We see it as our road to happily ever after. This view of love is what causes us to despair.

Love is not to blame. Why? Because love also comes from you as well as from others. The only perfect love comes from God. This love, according to the Bible, casts out all fears. However, we as people are not perfect. It then follows that people will fail you. You will fail yourself. This is a fact of life. Yes, these are not cheerful concepts. Nonetheless, it is only when we accept that we will have to drink the bitter cup that life will sometimes offer us that we can find the strength to face our emptiness and despair. It is also when we tap onto hope and our faith that His will is being done that we learn to move forward with renewed confidence.

It is hard to pull ourselves out of our self-made pits of despair. To begin the process, we really must learn to face ourselves and meditate. As we meditate, let us reach out and go to our source of strength. Let us meditate on His words to begin with.

Here are some quotes from the Bible that have helped me through these times. As you read through these quotes, notice how it requires less of yourself and more of the Lord to fulfill what is lacking in us. Because this is truly the case. It is being able to let go of our self-centered thoughts and being able to reach out beyond ourselves. Other people are often there to help us- our family, friends, and special someone. However, our One Constant is the Everlasting Constant.

1. Isaiah 43:19
Behold, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness and streams in the desert.

2. Revelation 21:5
And the One seated on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new." Then He said, "Write this down, for these words are faithful and true."

3. 1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.

4. Proverbs 16:2-3 1 Peter 5:7
All a man's ways are pure in his own eyes, but his motives are weighed out by the LORD. Commit your works to the LORD, and your plans will be achieved.

5. 2 Corinthians 5:5
And God has prepared us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a pledge of what is to come.