living empty

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
-James 1:17

God has been answering some prayers for me in gracious and beautiful ways recently.

Some needs, some hopes, some cries to Him have been fulfilled.

It’s funny how all my other prayers are more full of hope in the wake of this sweetness. A few gifts from the God of heavenly lights boosts your spirits.

And after a season of several plates full of burnt toast, I’m not sure what to do with this feast He has provided.

I had gotten so used to being loved in the emptiness.

I feel loved when the storm rages; when the darkness surrounds me; when I want to quit; when my will is swallowed by His purposes; when life is burnt toast.

If life feels empty, what we really need is to learn to live empty.

When your soul can feel fully loved in the dry, burnt seasons, the joy overflows when rain falls and life blooms again. But it’s also a little scary to enjoy the bountiful days and let yourself get comfortable.

His perfect love will drive out that fear if I will let it.

Because God does not change like a shadow, in light and in darkness, He is always the same and He is always good.

I remind myself that He will still be good when the road gets a rocky again.

We are never really empty when we are satisfied by His great love.

True life is found in living empty like that.

The sight of gifts coming down from heaven today draws my soul out wide and deep. I keep looking for ways to empty all this out into the world around me.

I know the good things of today can’t compare with the great things God has planned for the future. And a difficult road between here and there will be graced with the most precious blessing of all: God’s presence.

He never changes. He is always good. We are always loved.

Blessed be the name of the Lord.