You have put gladness in my heart, More than when their grain and new wine abound (Psalm 4:7 NASB).
God Shaped Void
In the 1600s Bliase Pascal wrote that man’s cravings for true happiness can only be filled with an infinite, immutable object. He wrote that man tries in vain to fill this void with everything around him, seeking in (what is not) only what God Himself can give us. [1] This came to be known as our God shaped void.
Solomon, known as the wisest man who ever lived, concluded that God has set eternity in the hearts of men. [2]
Deep within every human lies an unquenchable longing. Some have the means to try filling it with all the world has to offer, but coming up empty, they despair. Others hope the next accomplishment, relationship or pleasure will curb the longing. Unless awakened, folks keep on searching, endlessly hoping the next big thing will finally satisfy.
Awakened
Disillusioned, hopes crushed, my fragile world was crumbling around me. What I thought would bring lasting happiness left me disheartened, disappointed and empty. I felt like a failure – rejected and unloved.
This describes several “low” points in my life. I see now how I’d set my affections on God’s benefits rather than on God himself. At the time, I was miserable. But looking back , I see these very hard times as severe mercies.[3] Each played a part in further dislodging me from an entrenched disillusionment. Only God Himself brings me the lasting satisfaction I so desperately desire.
Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward Genesis 15:1b (NIV).
Deep Joy, the nectar our hearts were made far, can only me found in God Himself.
In Your presence is fullness of joy; Psalm 16:11b (NASB).
The Joy of God exudes from every sunset, every flower, every breathe.
I’m to draw near and stop trying to make happiness happen. I’m to take time to celebrate.
I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger and he who believes in me will never thirst (John 6:35 NASB).
If any man is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water’ (John 7:37b-38 NASB).
Hidden Truth
There are forces at work to hide the fact that God Himself is our Highest Joy. The world, enforced by Satan’s lies, can keep us pursuing fleeting pleasures to maintain fragile happiness. It is a moment by moment battle to keep our hearts centered on God for our fulfillment. These truths must move from things we believe as facts to principles we live by.
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (II Corinthians 10:3-5 NASB).
These lies must be captured, thought by thought, and unmasked, revealing them for the hideous deceptions which they are. The truth is that only in Jesus Christ will we find the lasting satisfaction, fulfillment and the joy we were created to experience.
Prayer
Lord, I’m sorry for all I’ve chased after to try and satisfy the deep longings of my heart. Satisfaction can’t come from success because I’ve failed. It can’t come from pleasure because it quickly fades. It can’t come from people because they disappoint. It can’t come from trying to live a good life because I can’t.
You’ve given me so many things to enjoy: sunsets, puppies, flowers, ocean breezes, people I love, tea olives, chocolate, coffee, beaches and mountain streams. You are the Creator of it all. You alone are my Highest Joy. Only with You are other pleasures fully enjoyed. Apart from You, other pleasures can become addictions and idols. But with You, all moment by moment pleasures can erupt into praise for who You are and all You’ve provided for us to enjoy.
I delight in You Lord above all else. Please guard my heart.
Amen.
[1] Pensées, Blaise Pascal (Published in 1670 after his death)
[2] Ecclesiastes 3:11b
[3] I first heard this term from a book entitled A Severe Mercy by Sheldon Vanauken
Joy in the Journey is about the gladness of God’s nearness in the midst of life’s adventures.
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