Yesterday I had the song, “With Lifted Hands”, by Ryan Stevenson, stuck in my head. But it wasn’t until mid-morning that I realized I had it wrong! I was singing “with EMPTY hands” rather than “with LIFTED hands”. But then I realized, sometimes that is all I can offer God- empty hands. Dear Ones, I do not have it all together! Oh, how much I lack! I long to be SO much more- a better wife to Brad, a better mom to my girls, a better servant to my Lord, a better Bible studier, pray a better prayer life. There is so much more I want to become. But sometimes this world drags me down, makes me tired, and I will realize that it’s been a few days since I’ve opened my Bible, or it’s been a couple of days since I’ve prayed. And I feel so empty. I have nothing to bring to God- I don’t have the right words to pray, I don’t have a new scripture memorized, I didn’t do a good deed that day, I’m just empty.
But God isn’t upset with me because I’m empty, He still wants me! Being empty means that I have room to be filled with Him. “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed in every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the LIFE of Jesus may also be revealed in our body” (2 Corinthians 4: 7-10). I love reading about how Jesus interacts with people in the Gospels. Jesus met each one right where they were, whether empty or broken, but they left the encounter FILLED. “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness” (Colossians 2: 9-10). He wants to fill us so full we are overflowing His love and grace into others.
When my girls were toddlers, they both had an unmatched affection for mini M&M’s. They would approach us with their tiny hands cupped and empty, and simply say, “M’s??”. And we would lovingly pour out a helping of M&M’s into their empty hands. They would smile and be happy, satisfied. My friend, don’t be afraid to approach God. Hold out your empty hands, cupped, and allow Him to lovingly pour Himself out until you are smiling, happy and satisfied. “He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God’ ” (Psalm 46: 10). That’s all you have to do. His words formed all of Creation, do not think He can’t fill you and restore you. I know someone reading this feels empty right now. It’s ok, God wants you to go to Him. He will fill your emptiness. He is all that you need. Leave a comment and tell me about a time you felt empty and God filled you. Thanks for reading and have a blessed day!
Devotions of Grace 
This is beautiful Crystal.
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Thank you!
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Crystal, thank you so much! God has emptied me recently but it was in my emptiness that he filled me of more of Him. I’m thankful for His faithfulness to me in allowing my afflictions because although it’s been difficult, I’ve discovered a deeper relationship and dependence on Him which is a gift. To God be the glory!!
Viv 🤗💖
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Amen! I just listened to your podcast and I’m in awe of you and your testimony!! You are a blessing to people in how you point to the Lord! Praying for you!! Thank you for visiting my blog and following me! God bless, Viv!!
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I’m grateful to you for listening Crystal. It means a lot to me! I so greatly cherish your prayers. God is so good to lead us to other believers at the appointed time. I’m thankful for you and your refreshing blog and look forward to reading more from you as we journey together. 🤗💖
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Thank you, Viv! We can encourage each other as the Bible says! Bless you!!
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🤗
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There was a song in the ’70s called “Fill My Cup, Lord” and my mother loved it so much that she had me play it for her on the piano over and over. She had endured many losses but depended on God’s “well that never shall run dry” to sustain her. And after I lost her when I was just a teenager that faith in the Lord’s unfailing grace and supply helped fill my own empty hands and heart. So Crystal, your message touches me today and reminds me that He IS the Rock of Ages!
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Thank you for sharing, Ginger!! It’s overwhelming to think that He has more than enough for each of us! Bless you!
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This is beautiful. I geared up just reading it. He only requires open hands. That’s it! Beautiful. Just beautiful.
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Thank you so much! I think He wants us to be empty sometimes- empty of this world and empty of ourselves, so He can fill us up with His love and show us He is merciful. Thank you so much for taking the time to visit my blog! I pray you have a wonderful week!
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Love this Crystal! You are so right…God just want our love & attention…and offering him our empty hands is a great start point. Much Love to you!
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Thank you, Susan!! Have a blessed week!
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