Three Strand Blog
Filling The Emptiness
As I acknowledged by own impatience, discouragement, and frustration I suddenly related to the Israelites. How miserable must it have been wandering in the dessert for 40 years, knowing the end was not yet in sight? I’ve been much like the Israelite at times. God has offered me promises that I’ve refused to take hold of. Instead, my choices have left me wandering in circles chasing after the wind. How many times have I walked away from God’s plan for me looking to fulfill my own desires? Each time I found that futility was my reward. Each time I sought worldly “fulfillment” I found emptiness instead. Oh, how I remember the emptiness. An empty stomach doesn’t begin to compare to an empty spirit.
There is a statue in Switzerland that can be found in a small park along the shore of Lake Geneva. I don’t know that words can capture its haunting depiction of emptiness and grief. As a widower, the artist who created it, Albert György, was no stranger to loss. His sculpture depicts a person, head hung low seeming to look though a gaping hole in their own chest, seeing the world from a position of looking back on it though their own emptiness.
Grief, shame, rejection, worldly pursuits…so many things we experience in this life leave us feeling empty. What can mend us? Can anything fill such an emptiness? Yes, my friend there is hope. Jesus mends the broken heart. He fills the empty spirit. He redeems and restores. Jesus came to give us eternal life and life abundant.
Prayer:
Dear Father,
Fill us up to overflowing with your Spirit. Let your power and your healing fill every empty space in us. Let it be true of us what was spoken of the early church in Acts 13:52 – “And the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” Draw us into oneness with you that our lives may be an extension of your power and your love.
In Jesus Name,
Letting Go…

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” – John 14:27
“Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.” – Jeremiah 17:14
Prayer:
Let Your Light Shine
“Let your light shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your father in heaven.”
– Matthew 5:16
I’m writing today to encourage you that the influence your walk with Christ has on others may be way more far reaching than you know. The presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of a Christ follower will produce fruit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. These traits are rare thus when they are experienced people take notice. Actively living out Christ’s attributes makes our little corner of the world more heaven like. Thus others experience God’s light and love through us as we walk according to His leading.
My faith was small when I first met my husband. However, watching him live his faith helped my faith to grow. When hard times came I would fall into hopelessness. He however had hope and peace, even in the hardest times. He trusted that God would move and move He did bringing provision, comfort, and power. Thus, as I watched my husband be faith-filled and God be faithful it shined a light into my life that brought change and growth. My faith grew and so did my peace and patience.
I know a beautiful woman of faith with the gentlest spirit. The kindness and goodness she spreads inspires. Seeing Christ’s work in her awakened deep within me a desire to walk in such gentleness. It allowed me to see meekness as strength, rather than weakness, and to aspire to the same level of self-control. The light of Christ in her shone brightly leading me to something new.
What does it mean to let your light shine? Let us envision for a moment a boat on a dark and stormy sea. The passengers fumble in the darkness not knowing which way to go. Suddenly in the distance they see a light. There is the promise of solid ground and that brings hope. As they draw near the light shines more brightly and leads them onto the shore where there is safety. Jesus is the lighthouse.
I have learned that when we walk in the Spirit the light of Christ in us burns brightly and that light leads others to seek Him. Let us never forget that God’s Spirit lives in us. You and I are meant to be beacons of light in this dark world. How will you bring light and love to those around you today?
Prayer:

“I have come as light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me will not remain in darkness.”
– John 12:46
New Beginnings
