And what do we provide ourselves through our pursuits? Could it be that the "food" we are supplying ourselves, being temporal food, is not of the stick to your ribs variety? And why do we feel we must provide for our needs when the Bible gives us a better way? James 4 has some simple, pointed truths which point us to the answer.

"You do not have because you do not ask. You ask and you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives so that you may spend it on your own pleasures (lit. wickedly)." James 4:2b,3

Too often, we go to the world to fill our empty spaces and then fall into the trap of friendship with the world which James identifies as hostility toward God (James 4:4). The Bible calls this adultery! That may sound way too strong, but it is what God has to say about it.

What's the answer?

"Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil a nd he will flee from you. Draw near to God a nd He will draw near to you." James 4:7, 8

His word is always a promise and His word declares if we draw near to God, He will surely draw near to us (James 4:8). Any time you are in the presence of God you will be filled. Note that the Bible tells us this is something we must do ourselves. God will not do this part for us. So often we turn it around and expect this of God, busying ourselves with what God has said He will do for us.

"If you then, though you are evil, now how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" Luke 11:13 (NAS)

This then is the filling that truly satisfies, nourishes, heals and empowers and that connects to the Father, then to the aching world, bringing ever increasing fulfillment.

Steep your mind in the Word of God, renewing it to the only real and lasting satisfaction. Renew and make complete your whole self, spirit, soul and body (1 Thessalonians 5:23) by means of regular fellowship with your heavenly Father in prayer, praise and worship. As Psalm 46:10 exhorts, make time to be still and know Him. It is the only true fulfillment and it is what you were created for.

"Man's chief and highest end is to glorify God, and fully to enjoy him forever." Westminster Larger Catechism

You will reap immeasurably greater benefits, with eternal significance, in quietly allowing yourself to be filled than in all your chasing around to fill yourself.

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