Empty or Full?

 Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again. But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst.  Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a fount of water springing up to eternal life." The woman said to Him, “Sir, give me this water so that I will not get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.”…  John 4:13-15

A few days ago, I was feeling empty.  And I asked myself, why on earth would I be feeling so far away from God and empty inside?  I have had the best summer, traveled lots, been on vacation multiple times, and even done women's ministry trips.  I have the best family, great friends, plenty of food on the table...and on and on.  And yet, after all of these things that the world says will fill me up, I am still left feeling empty. 

So I turned to the Lord and asked him, God, why am I feeling so empty inside?

And I felt God whispered back this message: 

"Beloved Daughter, being filled up doesn't come from the things you do, the people you are around, or the material things you have.  Being filled up and staying full only comes from me.  The things of this world can only offer fleeting happiness that will last only for a moment.  To stay full with them, you must constantly fill yourself up with them.  And that's exhausting.  But with Me, dear Daughter, when I am at the forefront of your heart and mind, and you intentionally drink from me, the fullness of your joy, peace and love will never leave."

Can anyone else identify with me and the lady at the well in the passage above?  We have all been this lady.  Altough we may have not had 6 husbands, we have all looked for things of this world to fill us up.  

I want to encourage you today that you can break this exhausting cycle very easily.  Don't stop enjoying the things this world has to offer.  They are great, and I think the Lord smiles when you get to enjoy the wonderful world He created.  But don't look for those things to fill you up.  Instead look to Jesus.  Each new day he gives you is an adventure as you partner with him in what he wants to do in and through you. 

Go to him first, talk to him, listen to him, and find direction from him.  Be more aware of the things he is doing in your day to day life.  Whether it's the upfront parking space he gave you at the grocery store, or the friend that called you that brightened your day, God is always at work to bless you both in the little things and big!

Acknowledge and give credit to God for every good gift that comes your way (including that breath of air that just filled your lungs). And thank and worship him.  It's amazing just how your day can go from boring to amazing just when you worship God and remember how amazing He is!

So be filled up with the true living water and never thirst again!  It's the best and only way to live each day!