A void is an empty space, the absence of something; it’s like a vast empty room or space.
Human Longing
People often express feeling empty or not knowing what they want, but still being aware that they want something. It’s a deep longing, a feeling inherent in human beings, created by God. Unfortunately, many people don’t understand this, received by having a real connection with Him. The journey towards understanding this longing and finding fulfilment in God is unique for each person. Some might experience a sudden conversion, while others may have a gradual deepening of their faith.
Misguided Desires
Many people might mistake this yearning for something more as a desire for material things, fame, or external validation. These can offer temporary satisfaction but ultimately leave us empty.
Pursuit of Fulfillment
Every person’s heart harbours a yearning for fulfilment. Like you, there are countless desires or perhaps that singular longing we all have. Observe your peers and those around you; everyone is in pursuit of that additional thing they believe will bring joy or contentment. For example, professionals strive for career advancements, artists seek fame and recognition for their work, and adventurers chase novel and enriching experiences. Desires range from acquiring a new car, a larger home, a vast social media following, or trending status, to maintaining multiple romantic relationships, achieving an ideal physique, or donning the latest designer fashion and accessories.
Diverse Aspirations and Desires
Some dream of owning a vacation home, a boat, the latest tech gadgets, a collection of lavish jewelry or watches, or even a private jet or luxury sports car for stylish travel. Whether it’s being adorned in diamonds at high-profile events, jet-setting to far-flung locales in comfort, or driving a convertible on an open road, aspirations can also include dating someone deemed ‘out of one’s league’, relocating, portraying a perfect relationship online, getting married, having kids, going to church every Sunday/Saturday or making significant contributions to one’s church, all in the quest for satisfaction.
I can understand how these luxurious items are seen as the epitome of sophistication. With these indulgent possessions, one can truly experience life in the fast lane and make a statement wherever they go. They provide temporary satisfaction at best. The thrill of acquisition fades, and the yearning returns.
The Cycle of Desires
These are just a few examples of the endless pursuits that drive us forward, pushing us to strive for something more, something greater. This is not a bad thing, because on the way we learn and achieve a lot, but this craving can never end and sometimes can be very frustrating. It brings jealousy, sadness, unhealthy competition, stress, and mental breakdown, and so the cycle continues. In short, even if you are given the country with everything you want, my friend, you will still need more until you discover how to fill that void.
As you pursue these desires, remember to reflect on whether they align with God’s will for your life. Seek real fulfilment not just in material possessions or worldly success but in spiritual growth and serving others with love and compassion. Let your aspirations be guided by faith, hope, and love, knowing that true satisfaction comes from a meaningful relationship with God. Trust in His plan for you.
Unquenchable Desire
Even to make matters worse, some are so aggressive in acquiring what they want and even when they want, and they can do anything under the sun to achieve it:
Unquenchable Desire: These individuals are often driven by an insatiable need for power, wealth, or status. They prioritize their desires above all else, including moral principles or the well-being of others. They can lie, bribe, kill, and destroy to achieve their goals. Their thirst for dominance and control consumes them, leading to destructive behaviour and harm to those around them. They will stop at nothing to satisfy their unquenchable desire, even if it means sacrificing everything they once held dear.
The Means to the End
They justify any action, no matter how unethical, as long as it helps them achieve their goals. Lies, manipulation, tarnishing names, and even violence become tools in their quest. Their conscience is silenced by the allure of success, their moral compass skewed by the promise of victory. As they march towards their objectives, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake, they remain steadfast in their belief that the ends justify the means. For them, there is no line they will not cross, no boundary they will not breach. In their relentless pursuit of power, they become consumed by their own ambition, trapped in a cycle of amorality and deceit. And in the end, they may achieve their goals, but at what cost? The price of their souls is paid in full. The story doesn’t have to end in tragedy.
The Perpetual Need for More
When you get more, you need more because you are still not satisfied. Unfortunately, the void in you is not filled by mere physical things. Some people have all that money can buy but are still very miserable because of the notion that if one get whatever they want, it is the end of the quench, but no.
Philanthropy and True Fulfillment
When you look at those who have reached the top of the pyramid, most become philanthropists because they believe that giving back is what will satisfy them. While philanthropy can be a noble pursuit, it is not the best path to fulfilment. Ultimately, true satisfaction comes from living authentically and being true to oneself in alignment with your creator.
Signs of an Inner Void
Some signs that you have an inner void:
- Chronic Sadness or Apathy: Feeling down or unmotivated for extended periods can signal a void. You might lose interest in activities you used to enjoy or things you have achieved after hard work.
- Numbness or Disconnection: You might feel emotionally detached from yourself and others. It can be like going through the motions of life without truly feeling anything. You might feel like you’re going through the motions of daily life without truly experiencing it. You perform tasks and interact with people, but it feels almost mechanical, lacking the usual emotional engagement. Both positive and negative emotions seem muted. You might struggle to feel genuinely happy about good things happening or deeply sad about losses. The effort of emotional connection feels draining, so you might withdraw from social interactions or isolate yourself. In severe cases, you might experience dissociation, a feeling of detachment from your own body or thoughts. It can feel like you’re observing yourself from a distance.
- Loneliness: Even when surrounded by people, you might feel a deep sense of isolation and a lack of meaningful connection.
- Yearning for Something More: You might have a nagging feeling that something is missing in your life, but you can’t quite pinpoint what it is.
- Loss of Interest in Activities: Things you used to enjoy no longer please you. This could apply to hobbies, social interactions, work, millions in your bank account, or even your newborn baby.
- Changes in Appetite or Sleep: You might experience drastic changes in your sleep patterns or eating habits. Some people overeat or struggle to sleep when feeling empty, while others have the opposite experience.
- Increased Risk-Taking Behavior: You might engage in risky or destructive behaviours to try and feel something, even if it’s negative emotions. This could include substance abuse, reckless activities, or self-harm.
- Neglecting Responsibilities: You might let go of important tasks or obligations because you simply don’t feel like it.
- Questioning Your Purpose: You might find yourself constantly questioning the meaning of life and your place in it.
- Fear of Commitment: You might avoid long-term commitments or goals because you don’t believe anything will bring lasting satisfaction.
- Scepticism or Apathy Towards Life: You might feel a general sense of negativity towards life and its possibilities.
- Questioning God’s Existence: Questioning whether God exists or His presence in your life. If you can’t feel His love or guidance, it can be hard to believe He’s there or believe there is no power beyond all you have accomplished.
Consequences of an Inner Void
- Depression: It can feel like a heavy weight pressing down on your chest, suffocating any sense of joy or motivation. Each day can blur into the next, with feelings of emptiness and hopelessness taking over your thoughts. Finding the energy to even get out of bed can seem like an impossible task, let alone facing the world outside. Depression can make you feel isolated, and disconnected from the people and things you once loved. It’s a battle that can feel never-ending.
- Loss of Control/Suicide: Feeling empty and hopeless can lead to thoughts of suicide as a way to escape the emotional pain.
- Searching for Answers: The yearning to fill the void can lead to constant searching for meaning and purpose. This relentless pursuit can be mentally and emotionally draining.
- Increased Stress: Stress can manifest physically through headaches, stomachaches, muscle tension, and difficulty sleeping, popping up nonexistent ailments. Emotional symptoms, like irritability, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating.
- Hate: Especially to those who appear peaceful and joyful, the negativity consumes their thoughts, leaving no room for light or hope. It is a heavy burden to bear, one that weighs them down and drains their energy. Hate is a poison that spreads quickly, infecting everything it touches. It is a constant battle to keep it at bay, to fight against its destructive force. But in the end, the void is a gaping wound that never truly heals until you readjust the focus.
- Worshipping Creation: Many individuals seek to fill this void by adoring the creation rather than the creator. They feel that by focusing on tangible things within their reach—things they can see, touch, smell, and even taste—they can satisfy their inherent longing.
- Addiction: Substance Abuse like drugs, alcohol, and even prescription medications can be used to fill the void.
- Behavioural Addictions: Gambling, shopping, excessive internet use, or even unhealthy relationships can become addictive ways to escape emptiness. While addiction may offer a temporary escape, it ultimately worsens the underlying void. Relationships, finances, and health can suffer.
- Sexual immorality: Having multiple partners, or even engaging in other abnormal sexual orientations, in an attempt to quench a never-ending thirst.
Shifting the Focus
The key lies in shifting focus. Instead of chasing external validation and acquisition, true satisfaction comes from within, deep down in your spirit, because it is the one that longs for satisfaction.
Biblical Perspective
“For the kingdom of God (that is in you as a believer) is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Romans 14:17-18 (NIV). This verse states that life is more than just physical consumption. It emphasizes the importance of spiritual well-being over material pursuits.
How Do We Shift the Focus?
Accept the Spiritual Disconnect
Trust that your faith in Christ will be restored in due time, and continue to seek solace in prayer and community support. Remember that even in the darkest moments, the light of God’s love shines brightly, waiting to guide you back into His grace.
Shut the Noise
Sometimes, external noise can make it difficult to hear the quiet voice within that can guide you towards understanding and addressing the void you’re feeling. Block out dedicated time in your day or week for introspection. This could be for meditation in prayer/divine silence, journaling, spending time in nature, or simply quiet reflection. Minimize distractions: turn off your phone notifications, find a quiet space, and avoid multitasking. Focus on being fully present in the moment.
Knowing God
The Bible teaches that joy comes from knowing God as your source and believing in the redemption of Jesus Christ (Christ means revealing God to man). Build up your strength in union with the Lord and through His mighty power (Ephesians 6:10). This involves studying His word (the Bible), praying, and developing a personal relationship with Him (John 17:3). This creates an environment for the Holy Spirit who quenches your thirst with His fruits and gifts. Therefore, even as you climb the ladder, you do it with LOVE and His POWER, loving people whether you are climbing or falling. Loving God with all your heart, and loving others as yourself.
Following God’s Will
The Bible teaches that God has a plan for each person’s life. Fulfilling your purpose in God’s plan can bring a deep sense of meaning and satisfaction (Proverbs 16:9).
Serving Others
Jesus emphasized the importance of serving others. Helping those in need and using your talents for good can bring fulfilment that goes beyond personal gain (Matthew 20:28) at any stage of life whether you have much or little.
Living a Life of Faith
The Bible teaches that faith is essential for a fulfilling life. Trusting in God’s promises and relying on His strength can bring peace and joy, even in difficult times (Hebrews 11:6). The journey with Christ is fulfilling, achieving great both physically and in divine aspects.
Giving Out of Abundance Within
Even when giving, you give out of the abundance within, which is:
- Love: This is the foundation of all the other fruits. It’s a selfless love that extends to God and others (Galatians 5:22).
- Joy: It is deep and consistent, it comes even when you don’t have enough material things. It is not happiness, for happiness comes after a happening, but joy comes from a relationship with God, not from external circumstances (Galatians 5:22).
- Peace: This is a sense of inner calm and tranquillity, even in the midst of difficulty.
- Patience: The ability to endure challenges with a positive attitude.
- Kindness: Showing compassion and generosity towards others.
- Goodness: Moral excellence and integrity.
- Faithfulness: Trustworthiness and loyalty to God and others.
- Gentleness: Humility and meekness, treating others with respect.
- Self-Control: The ability to manage your desires and emotions (Galatians 5:22).
Not the measure of physical things, thus the whole will be filled. As you go up or down the success journey, still check whether you are bearing the above fruits. May you find peace and contentment in His presence to fill your emptiness.
A Prayer for Shifting Focus
We can pray this short prayer with you:
Dear Heavenly Father,
I come before you today seeking a shift in focus. Help me turn my gaze from external validation and possessions to the wellspring of satisfaction within.
Guide me on my journey of self-discovery, revealing my true values and passions. Grant me the wisdom to understand your will for my life and the strength to fulfil my purpose.
Fill my spirit with the fruits of your Holy Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. May these qualities guide my actions bring me closer to you and your teachings and fill my void.
Help me live authentically, serving others and using my talents for good.
Thank you for your love and grace.
In Jesus Christ’s name, I believe, AMEN.
Hey, I’m Angeline, your RN and founder of Finally Am Found. With a heart for mentorship, I’ve been guiding teens and young adults since 2017. As a Registered Nurse, I blend medical expertise with personal experiences to create a Christ-aligned space for self-discovery. Connect with Angeline on Facebook and let the journey to self-discovery begin!
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