Empty

At one time or another most of us had a moment of driving when we looked down past the steering wheel and suddenly realized we were running on empty.  But, the automobile is not the only thing which often is required to run on empty.  Sometimes we do it in our spiritual lives.  How many times have we looked into the depth of our inner being and realized we were running on empty?  Running on empty in our spiritual lives means we are still going where we think we ought to be going in our spiritual journey, but honesty requires us to acknowledge that we are trying to do it our own strength instead of through dependence on the Holy Spirit.

 

The Holy Spirit is the one who fills our emptiness.  The truth is that He enters into our lives when we say "Yes" to Jesus.  It is at the moment of beginning that the Holy Spirit starts working in our hearts to shape our inner being into the image of Jesus.  Sanctification actually begins at that very early moment.  What often happens after a time of running on empty is coming to terms with the fact that this Christian thing is not working as we thought it would work.  Instead of joy, we are gritting our teeth.  Instead of peace, there is frustration.  Instead of power for living, there is nothing.  Instead of consistent Christian living, our spiritual life is like a roller coaster.

 

Running on empty is not the way to go.  God never intended for us to live in such a way.  The Holy Spirit is the One who can take our emptiness and make it something which speaks of fullness.  But, He can only do such transforming work if such is our heart's desire.  When we finally come to terms with our empty Christian living and confess it for what it is, the Holy Spirit is ready and waiting to fill our heart completely with an awareness of divine presence and power.  It is ours for the asking, but we must first confess, ask, and cast ourselves completely on the grace of God.