Emptiness

"...but when they entered, they did not find the body of The Lord Jesus."  (NIV)  Luke 24:3

Emptiness has a negative "feel" to it.  There aren't too many things in this world that, when empty, feel good.  Think about the following:

         An empty glass means that one thirsts

         An empty dish means that one hungers

         An empty bank account means that one needs work

         An empty chair means that one is missing

         An empty pillow means that one longs for sleep

         An empty heart means that one longs for love

When we think about empty, we tend to think of the things that we don't have, that we wish we had, or things that are not within our reach.  It can lead to sadness, despair, or even darkness.  I know I am not the only one that may have had emptiness in our lifetime.  When we lose a loved one, when we lose a relationship, when we lose a job, we have an empty feeling - something is missing.  This can be a very difficult place for us - I know it was for me.  When I had that empty feeling in my life, I was very sad and full of despair. 

This past Friday, Good Friday, can be such a day - especially for Christians.  When we spend time reflecting upon all of the sin we have caused throughout our lives, it can be a sad and dark day.  That is what Good Friday is all about - to understand what our Dear Lord and Savior went through because of our darkness, because of our sin.  I know Good Friday leaves me feeling empty - knowing how much pain and affliction I caused Jesus because of MY sin.  It was all my fault - it was our fault - that He was on that cross.

Yet, today, Easter - we celebrate EMPTINESS!  We celebrate the fact that the tomb was empty that Easter morning long ago.  We sing triumphantly that we will no longer be empty - that our souls will always be full.  It is because of that empty tomb that we are able to go through every day KNOWING that no matter how empty our life may feel, no matter the empty pains we may experience, we will always be full of our Lord, if we have simple faith.  

All Jesus asks from us is that we believe - believe that He died for us, believe that the tomb was empty on Easter morning - just believe.  Yes, it is that simple.  Yes, it is that easy.  Yes, it is that fulfilling.  Fill the emptiness of your life with the grace, mercy and peace that our Savior gives us - fill yourself up with the goodness of God.  May the word "empty" no longer bring you darkness and despair.  May the word "empty" bring you joy, hope, love and simple faith.

Please pray with me.  "Heavenly Father - may you continue to help us realize that the empty tomb provides us a lifetime of joy and love.  The empty tomb gives us hope, gives us a place in heaven, gives us strength to look at other empty items with your strength.  May each person who is reading this have an Easter filled with the happiness of a life everlasting with you."

Happy Easter Everyone!