It’s 1995, and I might just be in the middle of an identity crisis.
I’ve changed my college major three times, I’m so broke that I can barely scrounge up enough quarters to do a load of laundry, and I can’t pass Organic Chemistry to save my life. And I’m desperately single… did I mention that? Desperately directionless in so many ways.
So I started to pray.
I prayed a lot of specific prayers that year. I asked God for direction in my career path. I asked him to relieve my financial burden. And I boldly pleaded with him to send meaningful companionship my way.
And silence still.
I didn’t understand. I had followed God since I was a little girl. I had seen his faithfulness in my life in so many ways throughout my twenty-some years. I had tried to remain faithful back. But life in this season seemed empty, no matter what I pursued to fill the desperate places.
And then I went to Haiti and I watched her worship.
It was my college Spring Break, and I found myself in one of the poorest villages in arguably the poorest nation in the world. Her physical needs alone made my requests seem trivial in comparison. While I lacked basic life direction, she lacked food, clothing and shelter… basic needs for survival.
But still, she was filled with a joy that she could not contain.
I could see it in the sparkle in her eyes and in her contagious smile. I saw it in the way she sang without inhibition in complete adoration to her Savior. I saw peace in her countenance and a generosity in her spirit. Her outward circumstances didn’t dictate… instead her inner joy broke through.
And that’s when I realized that my focus had been all wrong. I had been pursuing satisfaction from the world instead of finding sufficiency in my Savior.
We were {Made for Community} with God. To find our satisfaction fully in Him. And when we know Christ… really know Him and are walking in the Spirit, there is great fullness of joy no matter what the world throws our way.
“God’s love has a width, length, height, and depth, but we will never reach the end of it. Our capacity to experience God’s love will be exhausted long before God’s capacity to give it is strained. The picture of having Christ dwell inside us by faith presents us with compelling and comforting possibilities. What Christ does in us and through us will always be ‘exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think.’” – Max Lucado
Friend, would you stop and simply be amazed by God’s love for you today?
Be overwhelmed with joy just at the thought of who He is.
Take time today to celebrate His defeat of sin and death and praise Him for the sacrifice he made in your place.
Find comfort in knowing that He did not leave you as an orphan, but instead came to you.
Rest in the fact that for those in Christ, nothing can separate you from His love.
And of all of the prayers you pray this year, let this one be at the top of the list:
“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” ~ Ephesians 3:16-19
God, fill our empty spaces with you. Nothing in this world could ever compare…
At His feet,
*LET’S TALK: What are you tempted to fill your empty spaces with other than Jesus? Our team would love to pray for you today…
I struggle against fb and technology taking over my days. I need to find a simple balance that blesses my family & I.
I struggle with this as well…(see my post below) I have to find that balance as well and find myself having to take fast periods from them to refocus my attention. But even in doing so I still feel the struggle when I go back to them…The enemy knows how to distract me and I have to fight it frequently. I will be praying for you daily as I find that balance as well with doing my community with Jesus and not the world! Love to you Sister
After one of our Bible studies I started using FB differently. I used it to minister to people hurting or sick with words of encouragement and scripture! Some people find FB an easy way to unload and strangely they can do it better on there than face to face! Try using it as a ministry tool and at the same time I can see all the wonderful pictures of families being posted and what’s going on! Our pastor said he can really tell a lot about his congregation by reading their posts! Makes ya think!
Love hearing that Patti! What a great way to use FB for a wonderful purpose!
Blessings, Marlene {LGG Encourager}
TC – I use a timer when I’m on Facebook to see how long I’m there and what I’m doing. I use to be an avid gamer on there but gave it up almost 3 years ago after I realized how I was spending my time. I think there can be a balance, we also gave up our smart phones which helped us a great deal.
I let the business of life fill my time. Rather it be with work, cleaning the house, more work, or playing with technology. I have to intentionally carve out time the first thing in the morning and intentionally give myself reminders throughout the day to take a moment and pray or recite scripture. Our relationship with God must be intentional or for many of us the day will pass without a thought. My prayer is to keep a focus on God and not the things of this life.
Shana, this is SO true! If we are not intentional and purposeful with carving out that time – for some of us it just won’t happen. Very difficult to admit that, but when we do, and when we turn to Him for help – He blesses us and helps us. Thank you for stopping by today! 🙂
Blessings, Marlene {LGG Encourager}
I tend to strive more for the recognition and love of people than God s. Today’s passage is a beautiful reminder of God’s unconditional love 🙂
I love His constant reminder of His unconditional love for us!
Blessings, Marlene {LGG Encourager}
Thank you for your words, Whitney. They really spoke to my heart this morning. My career and the pursuit of financial freedom, well not really freedom, it’s more like relief, continue to push me and fill my days. There has been little else in my life other than work. I’ve left behind so much of myself, I don’t really know who Dina is anymore. I wonder, is this right, aren’t I supposed to lay my life down for others? I lay myself down for my husband, my family, my students…but I have nothing left. I don’t spend time with friends and I go to church, but I’m not really part of the family of God like I once was. That’s why I’m here seeking fellowship.
We all feel that at times in our lives. I will be praying for you, Dina.
Praying for you Dina, and praying this study draws you closer to Him as you are seeking.
Blessings, Marlene {LGG Encourager}
I can so relate to how you’re feeling Dina. I to have ask who am I, what happen to the old me? Where did she go? I at times feel so broken cause I miss the old me so much. When my friends describe me or my husband describes me as this jolly happy, easy going person, with a bright smile that lights up a room. I don’t see that person they’re describing. I see a failure, low-self esteem, someone suicidal, afraid to step out, someone that wants to pull the covers backup and allow my depression to take over. Yet, I get up and push forward knowing that God is working on me and He is restoring me.. Some day are much easier that others.
I fill my spaces with regret and resentment. I struggle to let myself feel joy and love. Instead I keep an inner spiel of negative self talk running which reminds me of all my failures. 🙁
Dee, I have a hubby that struggles with those very things. It’s hard not to get sucked down with him at times. Other times I find myself frustrated because he know the truth, but gives in to his thought life instead of taking every thought captive to Christ. I combat nagativity in own life thru the power of the Word and music. When I catch myself start to believe the lies of the enemy ( and they are lies) I try to meditate on what is true. God loves us even though I don’t deserve it. His grace is sufficient in my circumstances. He gives us victory. He knows our needs. He already knows how this is going to end. He is trust worthy and faithful. Etc. it’s a battle, and the enemy knows our weak spots, but get a good prayer partner and meditate on Truth. Be transformed by renewing your mind. You’ll be amazed, honestly
Dee…if you have an opportunity to find Dr, Charles Stanley’s last program aired last Sunday on Controlling Our Thoughts…how our mind is our “thought tower”. It was a terrific sermon and gives guidance on how to take control of our negative thoughts. You may find it on his web site InTouch.org. I’ll be praying for you.
Dee, I struggle with self doubt and regrets from the past as well. I’m trying this year to overcome that and seek God at the first recognition of that old pattern. I’ll pray for you!
You all are amazing! Chiming in to encourage a sister in Christ! LOVE seeing this in this community! Praying for each of you and SO thankful to have you part of this study!
Blessings, Marlene {LGG Encourager}
I find myself wanting to fill my spaces with human companionship, specifically wanting a romantic relationship, a kind I’ve never had. I have found myself desiring and craving that more than God over the years, but just recently realized how absolutely wrong and backwards that is. I’ve been working really hard to focus solely on Him to satisfy my needs because He’s the only one that can. If it’s His will for me to ever have an earthly companion, I know that He’ll bring the right guy my way.
Amy, praying for you sweet friend. {hugs}
Blessings, Marlene {LGG Encourager}
This study has been God’s gift, beautifully wrapped and lovingly presented by my Father who loves me more than I will ever be able to fathom in this lifetime. He knew just how much I needed to feel His love and His presence and each morning He presents me with the gift that is Him through His word and you ladies here at LGG. Thank you for your hard work and faithfulness. His is using you mightily! All glory and honor and praise be to God our Father!
How true!
PRAISING Him with you!!!
Blessings, Marlene {LGG Encourager}
Good morning! What a word, what a word. This was a blessing to my heart. My year has begun with a determination that I develop a deeper relationship with the Father and fully understand what Jesus’s role has been in the scheme of things. I am asking that not my will, but his will be done. I hold on tight to keep control and I believe that is limiting me from really entering in. So, I’d appreciate prayers. Thanks for what you all are doing!
Amen to that. May we all strive for HIS will and not our own. Thank you for stopping by Shelly!!
Blessings, Marlene {LGG Encourager}
Whitney Dear Sister-I don’t know what it is, well I do know it’s the Holy Spirit that works in your writings to speak to me so often. I can’t tell you the number of times over these last few years of being apart of this accountability of ladies that you specifically have been used to bring me to tears after reading your blog entry. Today is no different! For some reason this study is very difficult for me to get going on. I find myself chosing sleep, Facebook, laziness, spending time in my cluttered life and not community with my Father. Today I am reminded of WHY I should WANT to have that time over anything. So, as of this moment I’ve turned off my distractions as much as I can with a 4 year old and rekindling that love for HIM. I would appreciate your prayers not only for me but for others I’m sure who are in this “mud” of laziness and having difficulty removing that temptation from our lives. It can be so easy being a stay at home mom to just let it all “go” and allow the depression of our surroundings affect us. That is where I find myself today. But, instead of focusing on this I chose to focus on Him and time with Him which will bring me back to giving all of “this” back to Him and allow Him to be apart of my surroundings and not the enemy.
Blessings on you my friend…Thank you!
Stay strong and move each day, knowing that God loves you and moves mountains just for YOU!
Heard this song in the car after I wrote his post and it is So Perfect for this posting and my struggle, as well as Starting aNew!
Be Encouraged those who listen…it’s for you…
Drops in the Ocean (Hawk Nelson)
http://youtu.be/bZH13wFGffg
Sweet Nancy,
Your encouragement blesses me so, and I adore your heart that is choosing Him. I will pray for you, sister.
Much love,
Whitney
What powerful words that go to each of our hearts! Thank you for filling our cups that seem to drain so rapidly. We are a part of so many communities, but yet, we are so isolated. We sit in the room filled with people and utter not a word.
I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen each lady here with power through his Spirit in her inner being, so that Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith. And I pray that each of us, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that each of us may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” ~ Ephesians 3:16-19 Amen
Amen!
Blessings, Marlene {LGG Encourager}
I use facebook and the love of my friends there to provide joy and acceptance. My families approval, my husbands love admiration and my children. When these don’t line up and what seems as though my community has abandoned me and doesn’t love me I crash. I let the rest of my life spin out of control. I realize these all become idols before our God, therefore, I struggle to keep my perspective. I seek approval and acceptance for my worth. Needless to say I pray God helps guide me in breaking this completely this year. I want to move forward whether I have been approved or considered worthy. I know these messages do not come from my savior. Prayers appreciated. God has plans for me fear and man cannot hold me back from my destiney. I’m good enough, chosen for a purpose, and protected by an Army of God. No weapon formed against me has power to destroy me or remove me from the plans of God for me. I’m a kingdom daughter. Lioness arising with weapon in hand. Praise God.
Praying for you and your struggle – per my comments posted above, I am struggling for that balance as well. The enemy will be defeated on this one!
Praying for you, Diane. Thank you for being so transparent with us. We’re thankful to have you a part of this community!
Blessings, Marlene {LGG Encourager}
I use social media, a condescending attitude mostly and my immediate family relationships. I’m more aware of this recently and have turned to Jesus more than before. It seems easier to turn to self than to Jesus tho. 🙁 But working on what I believe to be is self doubt and instead to Trust and know and Do and Apply Gods Truth! #truth
Stephanie,
Thank you so much for sharing. Praise for turning to Jesus more than before! Every single day we have to choose between living for our eternal life or the earthly one. Lifting you up in prayer to trust God and for discernment!
I struggle with wanting friendships and working on family relationships before my relationship with God. I tend to focus on everything else, but God. It is a daily struggle just to open up my Bible. I just don’t seem to find time and with this new Bible study it forces me to make time for God(which is overall what I want).
Miranda,
Glad to hear that this new Bible study is helping you make time for God. We can let the busyness of our days, relationships get in the way of having that one on one time with God. I’m guilty of that from time to time. Now I focus on getting up just a bit earlier to spend the quiet dark hours in the morning with God while the house sleeps.
Miranda, just one small change a day can help. For example, pick one verse, a line in Psalms maybe, some scripture that encourages you and read it throughout the day. Somedays I focus on a particular characteristic to practice with everyone that crosses my path. For example, I might remind myself, and some days remind myself over and over, to speak only graciously, no harsh words or gossip. One step at a time and KNOW that if you draw near to God, He has to honor His word and draw near to you.
Food addiction
Kathy,
I never thought about my issues with Food being an addiction but yet it is. I realized it was my comfort. And that had to change, but it’s been a long hard road in that change. Praying for you!
Martha, LGG Encourager
God has been revealing to me for some time now all the distractions I allow which keep me from Him, wastes time and does nothing to conform me to the image of His son or further His kingdom. I absolutely love that my Father is expecting me to get real for Him and showing me where I need to tidy up how I use my time. I always felt unglued when I was a young mother, juggling, my attention divided in many directions…lots of built in distractions and everything is important, often at the same time. As an older person, I feel like I have the luxury of more stillness, more time alone with God, more focus to hear His direction and have order in my life.
Deidre, thank you so much for stopping by and sharing your words with us! Blessings, Marlene {LGG Encourager}
Hi, Firstly, I find that I try to fix my surroundings. If the house is a mess, I feel most out of control. (we have 8 children under 13, so it is everyday!) Once I start cleaning, decluttering, re-organising, then shopping, cooking, eating, plus washing, hanging, sorting and getting them to put things away the days can pass without giving myself time to spend being quiet and be still with the Lord. I have tried night time bible study, listening to music and we teach our children memory verses (that when practised over and over with 5 children it helps you remember them yourself). My Husband is great and constantly discusses the Lord and godly issues with me that he has listened to on podcasts while walking the dog each morning, so in a way I get to meditate or think about the Lord at some point thoughout the day. I know it boils down to me and making the decision to put this as a priority over EVERYTHING. Any ideas of carving out time to have quiet time in a not so quite house would be appreciated.
I only have three, but I feel it’s very noisy in my home once the first kiddo rolls out of bed. I have to make time in the morning or it doesn’t seem to happen until after they are all back in bed at night. By then, my eyes are just ready to shut. I get up (even if it’s just 20 min) before my kids awake and spend time in the word then. 🙂 It’s the only way to guarantee I’ll get my QT in.
Blessings, Marlene {LGG Encourager}
I find myself tempted through distractions wither it be pain children grandchildren someone needing my help etc which pulls my day from me by my not getting my readings in nor as much praise and prayer time I feel I need and want and by my lack of job and finances. Wow that’s a lot and I’m amazed by all that just flowed out of me. I’m not erasing it because I strongly fill that needed to be brought out to light even if just for myself.
Praying for you Vikki! Thank you for sharing with us today, friend!
Blessings, Marlene {LGG Encourager}
I am in a group on Fb but just wanted to answer let’s talk here
Thank you Vickki!!! It’s always good to have someone join in here too!
My brain! I sit down excited to have time to worship and read Gods word. I start to praise Him for the day and my thoughts turn to what I have to do that day, where I have to go, what I did yesterday. I apologize to God and start to read His word, I go back and read it again my thoughts go off to dreaming of places I want to go on vacation, or what I want to do this summer. Focus! I have to say the SOAP is working great its very helpful in giving me something to follow. I’m also thankful for the LGG group I have only been with you for a short while but its really helped me get into Gods word. Please pray that I stay focused on God. I so want to know Him more. Thanks!
YES! Focus! That’s what I have to keep telling myself. I’m such a daydreamer!! The SOAP method has helped me tremendously too, and I just love it!
Blessings, Marlene {LGG Encourager}
I use my phone and all my little apps to fill up my empty space. Even thought I do use my Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to send words and encouragement and Bible verse and even praise and worship songs. I even do more then one bible study to fill my empty space. I have also used friendship as a way to fill up my empty. But I still feel this huge loneliness each and everyday. I know this is just for a season in my life, but it feel like a huge battle. The closer I’m getting to God and the more I read his word and absorb it and more I praise and worship him. The more the lonely comes. I’ve been told it an attack from satan and that I need to press forward because it only for a season. I will not stop perusing a relationship with God and his son Jesus. I love the Lord and I know he will get me through this season. Thanks all of you in advance. God Bless and Good Night from Texas
Amen! Keep pressing forward friend, the Lord will see you through this and any trial you may face.
Blessings, Marlene {LGG Encourager}
I am always desiring to have friends that spend time with me. As I’ve grown older I’ve even begun thinking how nice it would be to be married and have someone who really loves me. I loved everything you wrote, Whitney, and I am definitely amazed by God’s love for me! I experienced His love as I read your words. I want to know Him in a deeper way than ever before but still crave close friendships and hugs.
I think that crave for close friendships is natural. We weren’t designed to be in this alone, we were made for community! The Lord has a path for each of us, and as we walk in obedience He’ll reveal that path. Thank you for stopping by Denise!
Blessings, Marlene {LGG Encourager}
I struggle with filling my time with work, my business and seeking someone to love me. I find myself sad and alone and looking for more and not knowing how to let God be enough.
I’ve been trying to focus more on Him and less on me and things of this world. A daily task and struggle it is!
Praying for you sweet friend.
Blessings, Marlene {LGG Encourager}
Hi, I’m new to this site! I’m so excited to find it. I am tempted to fill the empty, lonely spaces by reading romance novels and food. 🙁
Joy, we’re so thankful you came across Love God Greatly! Welcome!! We hope you are encouraged and look forward to having you dive into His word daily with us!
Blessings, Marlene {LGG Encourager}
I love this group so much! I’ve been studying with you for awhile now (2 years at least) and every single one of your blog posts is so spot on! I appreciate you sharing your heart with us – it truly is a blessing to me…. it speaks to my soul every time!
Awww, thank you Hilary! We LOVE knowing you have been with us so long! We have such an amazing community of women here and are thankful you are a part of it! Praising Him with you!
Blessings, Marlene {LGG Encourager}
One of my favorite verses. thanks for this post. It has been a tough month- finding out my oldest brother has terminal cancer and the pain of bone cancer he has is gut wrenching to even hear about, let alone for him to endure. I also have a nephew, 37 years old who has a non-traditional aggressive colon cancer that has spread. God We were {Made for Community} with God. To find our satisfaction fully in Him. “And when we know Christ… really know Him and are walking in the Spirit, there is great fullness of joy no matter what the world throws our way.”- i needed this today. thank you.
Arlys, praying for your family. Thank you for stopping by!
Blessings, Marlene {LGG Encourager}
In this world I tend to put me first instead of Jesus. My needs, my worries, my hurts, my issues. I will dwell on a problem or fixate on a worry. Then I realize, I can’t fix any of these thing. I can’t heal myself, I can’t make others do the right thing, I can’t ….so many things. BUT Christ can. So I get on my knees and pray. This study is a reminder that our constant communion with our Father keeps our thoughts off of I and puts our eyes on the cross.
I tend fill my empty spaces with material things or food