Feeling empty: Steps to regaining your sense of purpose

In the quiet moments of your life, there may be a feeling of emptiness that defies explanation.

This sense of emptiness is not easily dismissed. It is not just an absence of noise; instead, it is a hollowness that resonates within the depths of your being. Feeling empty is not a reflection of your commitment to faith or the lack of achievements in your life. Instead, it is a profound yearning for a sense of purpose that transcends the routines of religious observance or the accolades of academic or professional success.

Recognizing this struggle, this article will guide you through practical steps rooted in Christian principles to regain your sense of purpose.

Feeling empty is something God allows

In your emotional experience, the sensation of emptiness is not a signal of God's absence. Rather, it is a part of your spiritual journey that God permits. It is not a judgment but an opportunity. That being said, why?

For you to come back to Him and His goodness

In the quiet of your emptiness, God allows this feeling as a gentle tug, an invitation for you to return to Him and rediscover His goodness. Think of the prodigal son. In the Bible, he squandered his inheritance and found himself in a state of destitution. His emptiness led him back to his father's house. There, he encountered not judgment but a loving embrace. Similarly, your sense of emptiness can be a prompting to turn back to the source of true fulfillment – a return to the goodness and grace of your Heavenly Father.

Additionally, think of a cluttered room that, when cleared and organized, brings a sense of order and fulfillment. Similarly, your emptiness may arise from misplaced priorities or distractions. God permits this feeling to guide you in reassessing and realigning your focus, centering your life around Him.

You need to feed your heart with spiritual food

God allows the feeling of emptiness in your heart, not as a punishment. He allows it as a prompting for you to recognize the need to feed your heart with spiritual nourishment. Consider the Israelites in the wilderness, where God provided manna to sustain them. Similarly, your emptiness can signal a hunger for spiritual sustenance. Just as physical hunger prompts you to seek food, your spiritual emptiness can lead you to seek the Word of God and engage in prayer, feeding your heart with the sustenance it truly craves.

He is pushing you to tell Him an unconfessed sin

God permits the sensation of emptiness for you to scrutinize and acknowledge any concealed sins. It is reminiscent of the inner conviction that arises when you become aware of wrongdoing. By openly admitting and confessing, you prepare the ground for His forgiveness and restoration. In turn, you allow the void within to be replenished by the grace of His mercy.

To seek your forgotten Christian purpose

Amid your daily routines, God permits the feeling of emptiness as a gentle call to rediscover your forgotten Christian purpose. It is akin to misplacing a valuable possession that, once found, brings a renewed sense of purpose. Similarly, your emptiness may be an indication that you have lost sight of your Christian calling amidst the busyness of life. 

God allows this feeling to prompt you to seek and remember the purpose He has designed for you in your faith journey. As you earnestly seek, you unveil the layers of your forgotten Christian purpose. By doing so, you fill the void with a renewed sense of meaning and direction.

How to regain your sense of purpose

As mentioned, this article centers on guiding you to rediscover and reclaim your sense of purpose. It will provide practical steps and insights, rooted in Christian principles, to help you navigate the feelings of emptiness and uncertainty that may currently reside within your heart. That being said, here are some steps you could follow:

Turn to the Scriptures

Firstly, turn to the Scriptures as a foundational step in regaining your sense of purpose. Delve into passages such as Proverbs 3:5-6, which encourages you to trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your understanding. In moments of confusion or emptiness, these verses serve as a guiding light, reminding you to anchor your trust in God's wisdom and guidance.

Seek guidance from wise counsel and loved ones

To regain your sense of purpose as a Christian, actively seek guidance from wise counsel and loved ones. Identify individuals within your faith community, perhaps an elder or mentor, whose wisdom and experience align with your Christian values.

For instance, seek advice from a seasoned member of your church when contemplating a career change, allowing their insight to provide a Christian perspective on your path forward.

Additionally, lean on the support of loved ones who share your faith. When grappling with feelings of emptiness or uncertainty, engaging in open conversations with family members or close friends can offer valuable perspectives and encouragement rooted in Christian principles.

Turn to Him in prayer

In moments of confusion or emptiness, take intentional time to communicate with God through prayer. Situations such as facing a crossroads in your life, be it in your career or personal relationships, can be eased by seeking His guidance in prayer. When the pressures of daily life seem overwhelming, pause and pray, following the example set by Jesus in Matthew 6:6.

"But when you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."

Prioritize His will and align your intentions with it

In the pursuit of regaining your sense of purpose as a Christian, prioritize His will and align your intentions with it. This involves a conscious effort to seek God's guidance and ensure that your goals and desires align with His plan for your life. For example, when contemplating major decisions, assess whether your aspirations align with the principles and values outlined in the Scriptures.

Challenge yourself

Challenge yourself by actively seeking growth and a deeper understanding of your faith. In practical terms, this could involve delving into the study of Scripture beyond familiar passages, exploring theological concepts that may stretch your understanding, or engaging in discussions with fellow believers on topics that provoke thought.

Break it down

Break down the complicated things you feel are hindering you, and address them one by one. Identify specific aspects of your life that seem overwhelming or hindrances to your spiritual journey. For example, if a strained relationship is causing emotional turmoil, break down the issues causing tension and address them individually through open communication or seeking reconciliation. By breaking down complex challenges into manageable components, you create a structured approach to problem-solving, allowing you to focus on addressing each aspect in a way that aligns with your Christian values.

Immerse yourself in your passions

Allow your passions to become a channel for spiritual growth. Identify an activity or interest that resonates with your Christian values. For example, if you have a passion for helping others, consider volunteering at a local charity or participating in community service. By immersing yourself in such pursuits, you not only align your actions with your faith but also experience a deep sense of fulfillment. This immersion in your passion becomes a pathway for God to work through you, infusing your life with purpose as you actively engage in activities that reflect your Christian identity.

Once was lost, but now is found

In the journey of regaining your sense of purpose as a Christian, it is akin to finding what was once lost. As you actively engage in prayer, turn to the Scriptures, seek guidance, prioritize His will, challenge yourself, and immerse yourself in your passion, you are retracing the steps back to the core of your faith. Much like rediscovering a valuable possession thought to be lost, each deliberate step becomes a means of reclaiming the purpose that might have seemed elusive.

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