Turning Emptiness Towards God
Emptiness is a powerful and often painful feeling—a hollow ache that seems impossible to fill. For many, it feels like an inner void that refuses to be comforted or healed. The Bible, however, shows us that even this emptiness has a purpose, one that can draw us closer to God if we’re willing to seek Him. Yet, as seen generally, people experiencing deep emptiness often resist turning to God. How can we gently guide them toward faith in a way that resonates? Let’s explore how this can be done, with biblical encouragement for those who feel they’re walking through a wilderness of the heart.
Understanding Emptiness: A Spiritual Invitation
Emptiness isn’t just an emotional void; it’s often a sign of spiritual hunger—a yearning for something transcendent. Scripture tells us that we are created for connection with God: “He has also set eternity in the human heart” (Ecclesiastes 3:11). Our hearts often feel restless or empty because we are made for communion with our Creator, and anything less leaves us longing for more.
It can be helpful to acknowledge that emptiness isn’t something to fear or ignore. Jesus Himself experienced intense loneliness and a sense of abandonment on the cross, crying out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). Knowing that Christ, too, felt emptiness allows those who are struggling to see that they are not alone in their feelings—and that God is present even when He feels distant.
Reframing Emptiness as a Path to Surrender
When we reach the end of ourselves and find no comfort in the things we once relied upon, we’re given a unique opportunity to surrender. Emptiness can become a doorway, inviting us to let go of our expectations, self-reliance, or attachments. As Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” In the stillness of emptiness, we’re given the chance to rest in God rather than in our own efforts or in the world around us.
This surrender doesn’t come easily, especially for someone who may not want to turn to God initially. But gentle encouragement to “be still” and listen for God can help them open up without feeling forced or pressured. Remind them that surrender is not a sign of weakness but of courage and trust.
Inviting God into the Void
One way to guide someone in this journey is to encourage them to invite God into their emptiness. Prayer can be as simple as saying, “God, I feel empty. I don’t know what to do or where to go. Please meet me here.” Jesus says in Matthew 5:3, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Being “poor in spirit” means recognizing our need for God, even if we don’t feel like we have anything to offer in return.
It’s important for them to understand that God is not waiting for them to “get it all together” before approaching Him. God welcomes us as we are, especially when we feel broken or lost. Romans 8:26 tells us “the Spirit helps us in our weakness,” even interceding for us when we don’t have the words. This reminder can be comforting, helping them know that they don’t have to fix their emptiness before inviting God in.
Finding Meaning in God’s Presence, Not Circumstances
Emptiness often arises when we feel disconnected from meaning or purpose. But God’s love isn’t bound by our circumstances or emotions. In Romans 8:38-39, Paul writes “neither death nor life… nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Guiding someone to trust in this steadfast love—even when they don’t feel it—can offer hope. God’s love is with them in the emptiness, and His presence is enough to carry them through. Help them understand that God’s love doesn’t promise a life without suffering or emptiness but promises that He will be with us in it. Sometimes the very act of accepting that God is with them, no matter what, can be a profound comfort in itself.
Finding a Community That Loves and Supports
Scripture reminds us of the importance of community, as in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10: “Two are better than one… If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” Encourage them to seek out a loving, non-judgmental faith community where they can be authentic in their struggles. Community can offer a tangible expression of God’s love and grace, providing companionship and support when emptiness feels overwhelming.
Being with others who share faith or simply show kindness can be a powerful reminder of God’s presence in their lives. As they open up to others, they may also find themselves opening up more to God.
Finding hope in the void
Guiding someone through the experience of emptiness is less about “fixing” their feelings and more about helping them find God in the midst of it. Emptiness, as painful as it is, can ultimately serve as a bridge to deeper faith. By approaching God with honesty and vulnerability, allowing Him into the void, and leaning on others for support, they may discover a peace that fills the emptiness from the inside out—a peace that can only come from God.
It’s a journey that doesn’t happen overnight, but as we encourage them to move toward God, even if only a small step at a time, we remind them that God is always near, ready to turn their emptiness into something holy and meaningful.
