Have you ever heard a line in a movie which instantly touches every fiber of your heart? For the first time in a long time it happened to me.
We were watching “The Elephant Man” and John Merrick (a.k.a. The Elephant Man) said something that shook every ounce of my being in the kind of loving, convicting way which only the Spirit can do.
He turned to the doctor, his dear friend, and said:
“My heart is full because I know I am loved.”
When he spoke this line, tears instantly fell and a painful, spiritual twinge was felt throughout my body. I instantly became aware that my heart was not full and has not been for a while. I could write out all of my speculations as to why, but I don’t think I could give specifics. I only know that it’s been running on fumes – and I am just now aware of it.
“For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Colossians 2:1-3
I was trying to fill this “emptiness” with some things of this world: Netflix, sports, food . . . way too many iced coffees. I was trying to pour in gallons of “happiness”, only to burn through it.
It took me until now to learn how fleeting the things of this world really are. Their “liquid“ levels of happiness are not sustainable, only temporary.
“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:18
I long to speak with the truth, love and beautiful confidence that John Merrick displayed when he said those words. The fulfillment my heart is craving can only come from the living water – the one who fills me up and lets my cup overflow.
My heart should be full BECAUSE I am loved.
And so begins my journey to fill my heart with the knowledge of who I am in Christ.
To chase after the same contentment Paul felt as he wrote from within prison.
To daily fill my cup with His presence.
To discover Biblical joy.
“10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. “ Philippians 4:10-12
Raelyn Pracht 