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When my children were little, they watched the same VHS tapes over and over and over. Classics like Big Trucks, Little Bear, and Arthur. Fun shows like Veggie Tales and an adventurous video series featuring first-responders called Rescue Heroes.
One of their favorite Christian videos featured a guy called the Donut Man. He taught Bible stories and used simple songs to point kids to the Lord. While holding a donut in his hand, he’d sing the theme song each time that went something like this. “Life without Jesus is like a Donut… ‘cause there’s a hole in the middle of your heart.” Then at the end of the tune he’d stick a munchkin-like circle donut in the middle of the regular donut to fill the gap.
It was rockstar Mick Jagger who emphatically sang, “I can’t get no satisfaction.” Though he tried, and he tried, and he tried, really tried lots of different things of the world, our buddy Mick was still left longing. Hungry for more. Thirsty for peace. Wanting the hole in his heart to be filled. Just like the Donut Man talked about.
The truth is we all have holes in our hearts. Holes we try to fill with things like: accomplishment, shopping, sex, eating, comparing, decorating, or gossiping. Sometimes even good works. But we still feel anxiety. We still ache with loneliness. We question our purpose.
Yet, God stands ready to meet us in the center of every tension.
In my heart, I’ve known Him to whisper, “Gwen, be still. I’m right here. And I am what your heart is longing for.”
There’s a day coming when all our longings will be satisfied.
A day when heaven and earth are made new.
Psalm 87 is an ancient Hebrew song that speaks of this future time and can be a confusing read without context. It references a time written about in Revelation 21 after Christ returns when, for those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of Life, all earthly desires will be satisfied in Jesus as He rules eternally in Zion, the holy mountain of God in Jerusalem.
He founded his city on the holy mountain. The Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the other dwellings of Jacob. Glorious things are said of you, city of God: “I will record Rahab and Babylon among those who acknowledge me—Philistia too, and Tyre, along with Cush—and will say, ‘This one was born in Zion.’”
Indeed, of Zion it will be said, “This one and that one were born in her, and the Most High himself will establish her.” The Lord will write in the register of the peoples: “This one was born in Zion.” As they make music they will sing, “All my fountains are in you”
(Psalm 87:1-7).
When Jesus returns and the earth is made new, there will be no more holes in our hearts.
Frustrations, tensions, and strivings will cease.
Joy will be complete.
Our souls will be fully content.
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:4).
There will be no more sorrow, death, mourning, or crying. The Lord will wipe every tear from the eyes of His people. And I’m ready for it.
Jesus will be the peace to end all restlessness.
10,000 years and then forevermore. Yes, and amen.
Dear Lord, Let my joy be found in You today. Meet me in the center of my longings and be my Portion. Help me know and embrace the grace and peace You died for me to know, Lord. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
FOR YOUR REFLECTION and RESPONSE
Hey friend! What’s stirring your restlessness today? Let’s connect about how this message challenged or ministered to you today. What’s God leading you toward? Meet me in the comments section of my blog for prayer and connection!
Have a beautiful and blessed day!
GWEN
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© 2023 by Gwen Smith. All rights reserved.
Comments 19
It is so encouraging to me to see others care and pray for the needs of those who ask. I am so discouraged today. I know the Lord loves me and he’s in control, I just feel so hopeless. My kids are both in college and they have turned their backs on God. Please pray for my son and daughter to turn to the Lord and find peace and joy in their lives. Thank you
Thank you so much for your message posted today. Right now my life is in God controlled chaos. That sounds a bit odd but very true for me. Father God is Sovereign and I cling to His being forever faithful. Love you bunches!
Thank you for the encouragement! I remember the Donut Man but unfortunately my daughter doesn’t. (Thinking her seizures has affected her memory)
As we prepare our hearts for Easter and look forward to the day of Christ’s return, it’s important to daily fill our anxious thoughts with God’s promises.
Love you girlfriends!
Thank you for sharing this. This hole in your heart, it’s something I’ve struggled with all my life. I’m sure we all do and try and fill it up with other things that will help fill that void. I know that hole is filled when I stop and truly focus on God and who He is. It’ll be a wonderful day when we no longer struggle with this and we will be truly content with Him forever!
Author
Yes. Yes. Yes. All of us for sure. JESUS is truly the solution!
Thank you Gwen for your encouragement. I have been working with the contentment Paul talks about in Philippians. I need to recall in my mind the power of the cross that provides strength and hope and peace in the midst of hardships. Glory to God for all He has done and what He is still doing! Amen.
Dear prayer community, I would like to request that we each have a small portion of our holes filled today as we celebrate another day of life with Christ.
Hey Gwen….thank you for this. My mom has had two strokes in two weeks. Suddenly, I am a full time care giver, while trying to maintain my business in Real Estate. I’ve lost my clarity….my head is jangled up….I’m reciting all the verses I know to get my head back. Struggling to feel Him cheek to cheek, like I normally do. Dear Lord….be near to me now, I beg you.
Author
Oh Catherine, this is so hard. Super glad you are able to be there for your mom – even though it tangles everything else up. The GRACE of Jesus is sufficient and HE is able to be strong in and through you when you are weak. My husband and I actually own a senior home care agency, so I know all about the strains of caregiving! Praying for you now, friend.
GWEN
Please pray for the whole in my heart. This really touch me and there some wholes that need filling.
Author
Praying for your heart right now, Loretta. Thanks for sharing this.
GWEN
Please pray for the restlessness in my heart to find peace and for my loneliness even in a crowd to be filled with God’s love and to run to him with my arms open wide.
Please pray for my grandson and his mother, he is in a dark place,
Praying for God’s light to invade your grandsons darkness and shine His light.
Praying for God’s light to invade your grandsons darkness and shine His light.
Author
Yes and AMEN!!
Elsa,
I am sending up prayers for your grandson. May the Lord of all light come into your grandson’s life and transform him.
Author
Love seeing the body of Christ surround one another in prayer! Thanks, Shelly!
GWEN
Author
Holy Father, Please break through the darkness in the hearts of Elsa’s grandson and his mother. Separate them from the grasp of the enemy. In the name of Jesus, we ask that you would break every chain of oppression, expose every lie they are believing and deliver them from despair. Draw their hearts to YOU, the only way, truth and life they need. Thank you, Lord, for your love and compassion that are boundless in Christ. Amen