Filling The Void
"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds" – Psalm 147:3
Have you ever had a flat tire and taken it to be serviced? Depending on the damage, the mechanic determines if it can be patched up or if it needs to be completely replaced. In most cases, the tire can be plugged, allowing you to keep moving. But what happens if the damage is too deep? A simple patch job won’t last, and eventually, the tire will fail again.
This concept doesn’t just apply to tires—it applies to our lives, too.
A Deep Dive in the Closet: What’s Hiding Within?
Many of us have "closets" in our lives—hidden spaces filled with unresolved issues, unhealed wounds, and things we don’t want to deal with. We push things into the back corners, hoping that if we don’t see them, they won’t affect us. But just like a cluttered closet, sooner or later, the mess spills out. Spiritually, this represents the burdens we carry: unforgiveness, fear, and emotional baggage. When we don’t take the time to truly clean out our hearts and minds, we risk being overwhelmed by what we’ve been avoiding.
Plugging Up Holes in the Wall: Temporary Fixes Won’t Hold
Imagine you find holes in the walls of your home. Instead of fixing them properly, you slap some tape over them or hang a picture to cover them up. It may look fine on the surface, but the damage is still there, growing worse over time. Spiritually, we do this when we try to cover our pain with distractions—relationships, work, or even busyness in ministry. Instead of addressing the root cause, we apply temporary fixes, only for the issues to resurface stronger than before.
Plugging Holes in a Tire: What Are You Filling Your Voids With?
A void is an empty space, a place where something is missing. When we go through loss, disappointment, or trauma, we often feel a void inside. The natural reaction is to fill it, but the question is: with what? Some turn to substances, unhealthy relationships, excessive spending, or overworking themselves. These may offer temporary relief, much like a plug in a tire, but if we don't deal with the real issue, we will eventually break down again.
The Definition of Void: Recognizing Empty Spaces
A void is not just an absence; it is a place longing to be filled. God never intended for us to walk around with empty spaces in our hearts. He desires to fill every gap with His love, peace, and purpose. But when we choose to fill those spaces with anything other than Him, we create instability in our lives. Over time, this affects us naturally, physically, and emotionally:
Naturally, We develop habits that do more harm than good. We overextend ourselves, neglect our well-being, and fail to establish healthy boundaries.
Physically: Stress, anxiety, and exhaustion take a toll on our bodies. Poor coping mechanisms can lead to health issues.
Emotionally: Suppressed pain leads to emotional outbursts, depression, and an inability to form healthy relationships.
True Restoration: Letting God Fill the Gaps
Instead of settling for temporary fixes, God invites us to experience true restoration. He doesn’t just patch up our wounds—He heals them. He doesn’t just cover our brokenness—He restores us completely. But we must be willing to do the deep work:
Acknowledge the Voids – Be honest about what’s missing in your life.
Stop Applying Temporary Fixes – Recognize the unhealthy things you've been using to fill the gaps.
Seek God’s Healing – Invite Him into those empty spaces and allow His love to restore you.
Commit to Growth – Healing is a process. Stay committed to the journey of wholeness.
Final Thoughts
Just like a tire that needs the right repair, our hearts need the right kind of healing. A quick fix may get us through the moment, but lasting restoration comes only when we allow God to do the work. So, take a deep dive into your "closet," address the holes in your walls, and let God fill your voids with His perfect love. Because when He restores, He makes all things new.
