We Were Meant For Something More Than This

We are an empty vessel looking for something to fill us, something to give us worth. Lots of people will disagree with that statement but it is a simple fact that I have witnessed time and again over the years. We know that there is something greater than us out there and we want to touch it. This is the reason that every culture that ever existed developed some system of worship. We feel that empty place in us and we want to fill it with something greater than ourselves.

That empty place was created in us while we were being formed in our mother's womb for a specific purpose but we have tried to define our own purpose for that place. Instead of seeking out the proper occupant we have tried to fill it with many different things.

Feeling the emptiness we have filled it with the ill fitting ideas and philosophies of man's wisdom. We have tried to shape and mould these to fit just right but they have left us still longing, unsatisfied, desiring something even greater.

We fill this cavity with things to occupy us like sports, the arts, literature, video games, music, movies. We invest time, money and energy into these things to give us a sense of purpose, of self-worth. We allow our work to define us, we seek after relationships that will satisfy us but it still leaves us feeling dissatisfied, disquieted, empty, lost. We pretend we are happy. We pretend we are fulfilled. We pretend life is good. We almost even convince ourselves but there remains that nagging voice, or perhaps its a feeling that just won't relent.

We turn to other things to distract us, to help us escape. Perhaps its drugs, alcohol, cutting. But then again there are many different things that act like drugs for us, that we try to hide ourselves in, that we use to try to make our escape. Friends can be a form of drugs, as is sports, physical fitness, hobbies, entertainment. We would never call these things gods but they take on that same sense for us. We turn our admiration of these things into a form of worship because we are able to touch, see, taste, and participate with these gods. But they don't satisfy; they don't shut up that nagging voice inside; they do not fit well into that empty space that is reserved for one occupant.

We are a creation that has been created for fellowship with our Creator. We cannot find such fellowship through another part of creation. We cannot commune with nature. We cannot worship the stars. We cannot hug the planet. Our communion is meant to be direct with the one who gave us life, who desires to repair the damage we have done to that relationship, who paid the price we could not pay to make it possible, who will not relent pursuing us until he makes us complete again.

Contrary to what is taught in school these days, man cannot complete himself. Man cannot even save himself. Look at this world. We can see what we are doing and yet we cannot stop ourselves. There is enough food in this world to feed everybody on the planet but our greed prevents it. We have enough resources to take care of every victim of floods, droughts, earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes, tornadoes and whatever else can be thrown at us. Yet we cannot overcome our greed, our self-importance. We cannot look beyond our own needs to look after the needs of others. Yes, man should be able to accomplish great things but we can't because we are incomplete, so we are stuck being small, never to become greater than we are at this moment.

To become more we need Jesus Christ to complete us and in completing us he transforms us into greatness. He fills us with his power which is the self-sacrificing love of God, which has the power to forgive, and to reach out to others through the veil of our own needs. Only Jesus fills that empty place in us because it was designed for him. It is through him that we have the fellowship with our Creator that we were intended for and it is through this fellowship that we become like him, stepping into the greatness of his anointing.

You must be tired from all your searching, all your trying, the great effort it takes to keep up the facade. The thing is we were created to recognize the voice of the Creator. The noise of our life often shuts him out but today I encourage you, quiet yourself for just a minute and listen. Recognize his voice as he calls out to you in love and compassion:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)