My Container Was Empty, Now It’s Full!

King Solomon inherited the throne from his father, David, a man who pleased and loved God. Solomon assumed the role of king over Israel at a young age and recognized the enormity of the responsibility. One night, he had a dream in which God appeared to him and offered to give him anything he wanted. Instead of asking for wealth, a long life, or the defeat of his enemies, Solomon requested wisdom to govern his people effectively. As 1 Kings 3:9 (NLT) tells us, he asked, “Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of yours?” This request pleased our Heavenly Father, and Solomon was blessed with both great wisdom and immense wealth.

Solomon didn’t have a mind to invent computers or scientific cures for illnesses, but he was still wise beyond his time, and this proved to be a burden for him at times. In Ecclesiastes, Solomon talks about how many human efforts seem pointless and how life can feel meaningless. He often uses phrases like “vanity of vanities” to show his frustration and disappointment with his achievements. His thoughts are often seen as a way of expressing deep feelings of confusion and the struggle to find meaning in a world that can seem empty, despite all our efforts.

The Bible dives deep into the feeling of emptiness we sometimes experience. In Ecclesiastes, King Solomon takes a hard look at the pursuit of worldly satisfaction, and he found it lacking. He exclaims, “Everything is meaningless,” expressing his frustration in Ecclesiastes 1:2 (NLT). Despite having it all—wealth, wisdom, and power—Solomon still felt it was “like chasing the wind” as he said in Ecclesiastes 2:11 (NLT). God is telling us through Solomon that no matter how much we chase after success or pleasure; it can all feel pretty pointless in the end if we’re not seeking Him and His Will with all our hearts.

Despite having a stable job, loving family and friends, and a comfortable home, we can still experience a deep sense of incompleteness. But after trying to fill this void with other people, various activities and achievements, we might feel that nothing seems to truly satisfy us. We wonder if we can ever find what we’re searching for. We’re not alone in feeling this way. Many people go through it—and going “through it” are the operative words. When we place our trust in God, we’ll come out on the other side. If we give ourselves the gift of seeking God’s purpose in a greater way, we’ll find that a season of feeling like an empty container can allow God to fill it in ways that surpass our expectations.

Jesus Christ tells us in John 10:10 (NKJV) that he came into the earth so that “they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” Because of him, we can live more abundantly. This means experiencing the fullness of life that comes from knowing and following Christ, embracing all the dimensions of well-being, and living out your unique purpose with joy and fulfillment. This begins with a deeply personal relationship with God, and sometimes this is the part that we miss. We haven’t spent quality time cultivating the kind of intimacy in our relationship with God that He desires.

In Philippians 4:19 (NLT), through the Apostle Paul, God tells us, “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” In our beloved Savior, we discover a fulfillment that goes beyond what worldly achievements can offer. It’s like the joy and contentment the Samaritan woman found when she encountered our Master Jesus at the well, and he offered her “living water”. She was skeptical at first, the way that many of us are regarding his desire and ability to fill us up with his love. In John 4:10 (NLT), he told her, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.”

This living water symbolizes the eternal satisfaction that only Jesus can provide. If you’re feeling empty, seek Jesus Christ. He promises to fill our hearts and lives in a way that nothing else can. He offers not just temporary relief but eternal joy and fulfillment. As David wrote in Psalm 23:1 (NLT), “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.” Often, this is what we’re missing, the faith that the Lord will fill our cups, and He is all we need. He will take our emptiness, but we must let it go. When we do, He’ll guide us and transform that emptiness into a life filled with purpose, joy, and peace. ■

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

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