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Joy in the Empty
Okay, men—car question for you:
If you see the gas light on your dashboard warning you that the tank is almost empty, what do you do?
Two options: Stop and refuel, or find a siphon hose.
As a man, I wish that my heart had a warning light.
Recently, Naomi’s story in the book of Ruth connected with me in a new way.
In her story, Naomi’s tank started out full of joy, but through tragedy, it drained. And it was with an empty tank that she returned to her homeland and labeled herself as “bitter” (Ruth 1:20).
I’ve been there. Maybe you have, too.
But it's a good thing her story continues.
In the next chapter, she learns that not only has God provided food for her and Ruth, but also a redeemer. How does she respond?
“The Lord bless him!...He has not stopped showing his kindness to the living and the dead” (Ruth 2:20).
Even though her tank was empty, she could see God's hand working through Boaz's life and character.
Sometimes, my tank is empty. In fact, as I write this devotional, I’m there, as this past year has left my tank feeling drained. I’m sure there were warning lights all around me. But I tend to think I’ve got more in the tank and keep going a little longer.
It’s here where I need to see what God is doing in the lives around me. Maybe it’s in my wife or our kids. Maybe it’s in a friend or a sibling.
In other words, I need to siphon fuel from others until I can fill my own tank again.
But the coolest part is what God sees.
Naomi had no idea that one day, she would experience the joy of becoming a grandmother and hold in her arms a direct ancestor to the Messiah—the ultimate Redeemer—whom we joyfully celebrate at Christmastime.
Men, no matter where you are at or how empty your tank is, your story is not over. Siphon off the faith and joy of others and wait to see what God has for you.
Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, that when my joy is empty, You have given joy to others. Help me see them and connect with them so that their joy in You can help me find my own joy in You. Amen.
Reflection: Do something this week to surround yourself with others who are full of Jesus’ joy!
About this Plan
Traditionally, in the third week of Advent, we celebrate the “joy” of Christ’s arrival. Over the next week of these devotionals for men, we will examine the emotion of joy in several different biblical contexts. We pray that you will find joy in life's victories, but also in darkness, in times of emptiness, and in any uncertainty or pain, by God's grace. Written by Brad Klassen.
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We would like to thank Impactus for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: https://www.impactus.org
