Unfulfilled: Something’s Missing

Not too long ago, any screen, anywhere, was inundated with much hoopla about an upcoming match between two boxing giants. It was all everyone seemed to talk about. Even though I am not a fan of boxing, at some point they wore me down and I gave in to the hype. My curiosity was piqued and embarrassingly, I joined the other thousands of people who were waiting with bated breath for 05.02.15; the day when Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao would finally share a ring in a modern-day display of “gladiatorhood” (not a real word). People expected a great fight – the “fight of the century” or “the battle for greatness” as it was billed – and the ticket prices certainly reflected the hype. One source stated that the most expensive ticket to attend the match was offered at $351,005.25! Yup! You read that right. On a side note, if you’re collecting $351K for one ticket, could you not discount the 25 cents?

Anyhoo….. I happened to be at a friend’s house that evening, and we were able to watch the match online. One person, who shall remain nameless, ran around a lot, ducked a lot, and gave many many warm sweaty hugs. The other opponent at least tried to put on a good show. Now I don’t know too much about boxing, but what I watched was anything but exciting and in my opinion, definitely wasn’t worth the hype. Turns out I’m not the only one that felt this way. My sentiments were echoed by many people as evidenced by the number of complaints, memes and jokes on social media following the fight. One person is quoted saying the fight was “arguably, the least entertaining ‘mega fight’ in memory”.

People were highly disappointed. They tuned in to the Mayweather/Pacquiao fight armed with knife and fork expecting steak-like entertainment – but MayPac served soup. A clear broth! Without even a morsel of celery in it! The marketers created a huge hunger/appetite but were unable to fill it. Almost immediately I started noticing boxing videos popping up all over my Facebook newsfeed; some dating as far back as the 1950s. People were hungry for a good action-packed fight and they went searching – diving deep into the archives. I too went on the hunt for boxing videos because I wanted to see what an exciting boxing match is supposed to look like. I watched a number of some pretty amazing ones on You Tube and finally my appetite was fulfilled.

This whole thing got me thinking about needs and appetites. Have you noticed how some people never seem satisfied or fulfilled no matter how many toys and trinkets they amass? Hollywood is the perfect example of this. People have more popularity, wealth and possessions than you can shake a stick at, but it is still not enough. It is perplexing to us when we read of a celebrity committing suicide because we think if we had what they have, we would be set for life – and there is nothing depressing about that…or is there?

There is also another group of people. Though they have very little, they are as joyful as can be. I remember when I went to Cuba on a missions trip. Though the pastors and church folk had very little by way of material possessions, the joy they exuded was undeniable and infectious. I was actually ashamed that for all that God has blessed me with, I am not nearly as joyful or thankful as my Cuban brothers and sisters are.

So how is it that you can have everything and still be empty; and how can you have nothing and still be full?

Here is what I believe. When God created us, He created us with the intention of having a relationship with us. So He carved out room for Himself in our hearts and in our lives: a ‘Jesus-sized void’ if you will. As long as that void remains unfilled by its rightful Owner, there will always be a gnawing feeling of emptiness within us; that “something is missing” feeling. We choose all kinds of ways to fill that Jesus void. We try possessions, fame, drugs, excessive alcohol consumption, sex, relationships, friendships, children, career success… but that annoying emptiness just doesn’t go away. But why should it go away? We’re busy drinking soup while the appetite can only be satiated by a nice juicy ‘steak’.

Is this you today? Do you constantly have this feeling you can’t shake that something is missing in your life? Have you considered the fact that perhaps it’s not something that’s missing, but someOne? No one and nothing can ever take the place of Jesus in your life. Matthew 6:33 tells us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all other things shall be added unto us. A vibrant relationship with God is the main dish; everything else is gravy.

Take the plunge! Give access to the rightful Owner of the void. Find out how by visiting this blog’s prayer page.

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