Finding fullness in the emptying

Photo by Henry Be on Unsplash

The diet industry inundates us with messages that if we deny ourselves certain types of food, our end results will be the body we have always dreamed of. Drink this shake. Don’t eat carbs. No , wait. Eat carbs but do NOT eat fat. There’s a new message almost every single day. So many of these fads subconsciously effect how we view food- and that can result in us viewing food as a punishment instead of viewing it as fuel that will make our bodies the healthiest it can be.

This is the same mindset I have been meditating on during this season of Lent. There are many that opt to give something up during this particular time. I am actually not one of those people typically. But last month, a good friend and I decided to read together the book “12 Ways Your Phone Is Changing You” and it spurred us on to take a break from social media. Through our discussions, however, we came to the conclusion that we didn’t want to just simply check off the box of no Facebook or Instagram, but really do some heart work regarding how we use our phones. Instead of feeling like we are depriving ourselves of something we are actually replacing it with something that is fueling us and helping us grow.

Oftentimes we are more prone to focus on what we are eliminating as opposed to the positive benefits of what we are replacing it with. When we only focus on the eliminated object, the enemy has a foothold in to make it all about that and strip away our focus on the Lord and the growth He has waiting for us.

Scripture is filled with examples of how the enemy is fighting to divert our attention:

• Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden- had the whole garden at their disposal, but just needed to stay away from one tree.

• Israelites in the desert- God had provided His heavenly manna to sustain them and they always had just what they needed. And yet, they focused on how they had no meat.

• Lot and his wife were being rescued from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and were told to not look back. Yet, Lot’s wife had to take one final glance at what she was leaving and it led to death.

While the enemy is wanting us to focus on the negative, our Father is fighting for us to see what we can gain. He desires us to live a life that is full and abundant, not one of depravity and emptiness. So as I have been moving through this season of Lent, I have been trying to focus on how the removing is actually ushering me into fullness.

Fullness in:

• better time management

• intentionality with my kids, family, and friends

• clarity of mind and heart

• more quality time spent in The Word.

In the emptying, I have actually found that my soul is full. It is such a countercultural philosophy, isn’t it? We are inundated with messages that we need to continue to strive, to climb, to succeed. To fill up our schedule, our bank account, our social groups. But with all of this filling, we still find ourselves empty.

Two thousand years ago, an empty tomb was proof that fullness of life begins with being empty. I pray you each feel the power of this miracle.

Slow Your Roll:

Is there an area in your life that the Spirit is whispering about removing so your walk with Jesus can be more full? Maybe it’s for a day. A week. A month. Take a step of faith today!