Stepping Stones: Heart Check Time

Transformational Tip

A friend and Christian counselor once shared with me a very powerful analogy: He said that we are all born with this vacuum tube in our core. It is empty and by the very nature of being under a vacuum (negative pressure), it has the constant need to be filled.

That vacuum tube, that “void”, was always intended to be filled with Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit. But if we don’t fill it with Him, junk gets sucked into the vacuum tube…and once filled with junk, there is no room for our Lord and Savior. The junk in our core leaves us feeling empty and incomplete, so we continue letting quick fix junk get sucked into that vacuum void.

Until we fill that core vacuum with Him, and live close to Him, we will continue to feel empty, insecure, overwhelmed, and incomplete. What have you let get sucked into your core and let be your savior? Is it really saving you?...or just contributing to your slow demise?

This impersonating savior, giving false hope, is Satan’s answer for your needs… to be important… loved… in control… secure… loved…. appreciated… valued… included… unique... pretty… __________. Relying on these impersonators to save you will actually cripple you over time.

Today, look at your wrong decisions. Examine deeper why you made that decision. That is where you will see what is at the center of your heart and guiding your decisions. If you are honest, you will be surprised some of the junk we allow to seep in. Dump the junk and intentionally allow God’s truths you up with his loving grace and mercy…for only then will you be complete…only then will you truly be who He designed you to be.

Prayer
Dear Father, I often feel incomplete, as if some very important part of me is missing. When I get this feeling, I many times respond in unproductive and even sinful ways; foraging for food, fantasy, entertainment, and prideful recognition. All the while, You are with me, patiently waiting for me to let You in. When I continue to go my own way, seeking satisfaction where there is none, I become increasingly frustrated. This agitated condition makes it seem harder and harder to turn back to You, the only One that can complete me. I cry out to You today, I cry out, “Help me, Jesus!” I pray this in the name of the Ultimate Vacuum Filler, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say – AMEN!

The Truth
Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:4

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you.
James 4:7

By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.
2 Timothy 1:14

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.
Psalm 51:10-12