The Connection Between Our Need for Fulfillment and God’s Plan
As I stood in the bathroom after getting dressed, I thought, I am stuffed. It was a couple of days after Christmas and I know you understand that feeling. I felt like I could feel the food in my throat, although I knew it wasn’t there. These feelings came at an interesting time. I was praying for God to help me discover my focus for the year. Something a bit different from making resolutions. What is the connection between my need for fulfillment and God’s plan for me?
So I discovered this beautiful Greek word Pleroo – Play-ro’-o ~ to render full. To fill to the top: so that nothing shall be wanting to full measure, fill to the brim. How about – to make complete in every particular, to render perfect.
and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:19 (ESV)
That’s what I want, what most of us want. I’m thinking that’s what we are all looking for when we use other things and people to make us feel content, satisfied – full.
As I wander day after day, I am confident that God will continue to show me and teach me how to allow Him to fill me. It would be easy to say I need to eat better. Food is such an obvious choice for me. Something tells me that the Holy Spirit will dig around in some not-so-obvious ways I pour into that dark hole in my soul. If you allow it, He will be up in your business too. The only permanent filler for our emptiness is found in Him.
Author Kelly Minter discusses Leah and Rachel (Genesis 29&30) in her book, No Other Gods and the dilemma they faced. Quoting Kelly,
The point is that it doesn’t matter if you have it all and get everything your heart desires, or if you’re left wanting and unloved. Neither works. The two women had vastly different circumstances, yet both were left hungry. Why? Because God was not their ultimate thing. Good things like husbands and children and social status were the ultimate things, and in the end they were not enough. …God has created each of us uniquely and specifically. He knows the longings of our hearts. He sees our pain. He hears our cries.
Let’s ask God to fill us to the brim so that nothing shall be wanting. Fill us with the gifts of the Holy Spirit He desires and cause us “to abound” in the Holy Spirit’s fruits.
Jesus fills us so that we need nothing else.
Jesus fill us so that we have need of nothing else. << Oh I LOVE this! Such a powerful prayer.
wonderful post of inspiration!
Blessings, Jana
Hey Jana! Thanks friend. I’m glad you stopped by. Look forward to visiting more often. Blessings!
Carmen,
At the beginning of January, on my FB page, I posted an image that said, “My One Word for 2015: GRACE!” I am a pastor’s wife who is trying to extend grace in every situation I find myself in this year! Life is hard! Christians can be the first ones to make others feel like they aren’t “good enough” just by themselves hiding behind a mask of perfection. I want to change this! With that being said, I had to start with extending grace to myself. I want to be real…….let down my guard so to speak. People are searching for something or someone they can relate to. We, as Christians, can set such high standards for ourselves that we end up living depressed, defeated lives while trying to smile and teach others about the “joy” that dwells inside of us. People are intuitive. They can tell when something’s up. They might not be able to completely put their finger on it; but, believe me, they are looking for any reason to spot something that’s not quite genuine or put on. We need to let others see our imperfection. They want to know someone who has ups and downs like they do. It will help them, and it will help us make a connection. When we, who know that we are weak & need Christ every second, start acting like “we have arrived” that only makes the gap wider between us and those who are hurting. There is too much pain in this world right now for us to push others farther away by us acting any other way than loving and real while presenting Jesus and his saving grace to them! Join me in extending grace in abundance this year!!!!!!
Kim I love your word – Grace. And, of how much I need it. For myself and to extend to others. I would love to join you in extending grace. I know that will make God happy! Come again friend.
“The only permanent filler for our emptiness is found in Him.” So true. So often we look elsewhere to be filled, but He is the only one who can meet out needs and fill us up. Thanks for the reminder. Also, those necklaces are beautiful! My one word this year is “intentional”
Great word Gayl! Wouldn’t it be wonderful to receive one of those necklaces? I’m glad you stopped by. Come again!
“He will be up in your business.” Oh girl, don’t you know it! In the best way possible. My one word for this year is FOCUS. And already the Lord has been filling me with “great and unsearchable things” I did not know. It is amazing how, when we are willing and seek Him, He meets us and fills us to overflowing.
Love your word, Carmen! Before I read into the post, I kept looking at it going “What IS that word?” You have educated me, and it is wonderful! Blessings, sweet friend!
Focus is a great word for the year Sabra. Gosh, I need some! My word has had a few scratching their heads. I guess that’s a good thing, right? :) Blessings right back at you!
Carment, what a beautiful post and I love learning a new word: pleroo – to render full. I love thinking of being full of Christ (not food). Thanks for mentioning Kelly Minter. I love her too and want to check out that book. I love discovering new books written about women of the bible. Have a great weekend. See you on the Compel forum. Kim
Hey Kim! I’m so glad you visited. I have done several of Kelly’s studies and I really have learned alot from her. She has a unique way of opening the scriptures. Be blessed friend!
I’m like Ellen! I looked at that graphic and thought, “What word is that?”! Now I know. That is a great word. May God fill you to the fullness with Himself this year, sister. There is a verse in the Psalms (is it 86????) “Open wide your mouth, and I will fill it!”
When I picked that word, I almost just used “fill” but gosh Pleroo just has such fullness to it. I know it has to be explained but I guess that’s not all bad. Yes Betsy, I sure want God to fill me more and more this year.
Pleroo… I think I’m going to start using this word in my daily life just to watch people’s reactions! ;) To the waitress, “Pleroo my glass please.” Seriously, I love this post!
Ha ha!!!! Love it Katina. My next trip to a restaurant I know your comment will come to mind. Thanks for giving me a laugh today and thanks for stopping by.
Hilarious!
I know!
I love the quote from the Kelly Minter book – I just googled it to add it to my to read list. Thanks!
You’re welcome Heather. I did that study a few years ago and there are so many points I remember. Kelly was definitely anointed during her writing of it. I have been pondering doing an online study using that workbook. It’s that good. God bless!
These necklaces are gorgeous. God is really challenging me in my One Word, Content, this year. I’ve been anything but content but am hopeful for breakthrough.
Barbie I love your transparency. You’re struggling and you are letting God use this time to minister to others. Thank you.
Yes, Tonya’s is doing a such a wonderful job of crafting those necklaces. I just love them. Thank you for stopping by. May you feel His peace my friend.
What a beautiful post, and what a beautiful reminder to seek what our souls really hunger for.
Yes indeed Lisa. I think God always wants to stay a bit hungry so we continue to see Him don’t you? I’m so glad you visited. Come again soon.
I love that you want Him to fill you completely so that you hunger for nothing but Him! Awesome!! Oh and the necklaces are really cool :)
Isn’t Tonya doing a beautiful job on those necklaces. I’m looking forward to how God uses that word in my life in 2015. Thanks for visiting Marisa!
Love this post, and I tried so hard to figure out the word on your graphic! Then I remembered…Yes, I’m asking to be filled to the brim, deep down in my deepest spot! Beautiful post!
Ha ha! I hope that word in Greek doesn’t just confuse everyone Ellen. Filled by Him. Yes! I’m glad you stopped by.