Empty Holes
Author: Nancy A. StevensAstronomers at the University of Minnesota recently discovered a gigantic hole in the universe, an expanse nearly a billion light-years across of emptiness.
This desolate area contains no stars, galaxies, gas, or even dark matter.
Psalm 19:1–2 states, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge (NIV).”
How can an empty hole bring glory to God?
The Bible teaches that God is present everywhere–even in dark, desolate places. He has a purpose for everything that He allows.
Perhaps you feel isolated and alone as you struggle with problems you never imagined you would face. Every day you hope for some good news, but your situation seems only to get worse. You may be dealing with a debilitating chronic illness, the sudden loss of a loved one, a financial crisis, or the heart-wrenching lifestyle of a wayward son or daughter.
Family and friends may not know or understand what you are going through, but God understands, and He has not abandoned you. If you have accepted Christ as your Savior, He is committed to helping you even during the most difficult times.
King David experienced a painful crisis when his own beloved son, Absalom, tried to steal the kingdom. David was forced to flee for his life! While he was running, Shimei threw stones and dirt at him and cursed him. David could have given in to despair and berated himself for not being a better parent. Instead, he cried out to the only one who could truly understand his anguish and provide help.
“Listen to my prayer, O God, do not ignore my plea; hear me and answer me. My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught at the voice of the enemy . . . My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death assail me. Fear and trembling have beset me; horror has overwhelmed me. I said, ‘Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest’ “(Ps. 55:1–6, NIV).
After pouring out his heart to the Lord, David remembered that God had promised to help him.
He pondered the times the Lord had delivered him from danger. When he was just a teenager watching his father’s flock, God had enabled him to kill a lion and a bear that had tried to steal the sheep. When he faced the fearsome giant Goliath, God had helped him to do what none of the mighty men in the king’s army could do.
Think of times when God come through in the past
When Saul hounded him and repeatedly tried to kill him, God had protected David. When the Philistines attacked, God had made David and his army victorious. As he meditated on these past victories, David could look toward the future and declare by faith, “I call to God, and the LORD saves me. Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice. He ransoms me unharmed from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me “(vv. 16–18).
Continue to Seek God
In his weakness and brokenness, David continued to seek God, stating,
“When I am afraid, I will trust in you” (Ps. 56:3, NIV).
God did eventually deliver David and restore him to the throne. David’s faith was strengthened because he had trusted God in the darkness, and he testified, “Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall” (Ps. 55:22, NIV).
God can miraculously intervene and lift you out of all your troubles, or He can walk with you through them, bolstering your faith, preparing you for future opportunities, and giving you reason to hope. When we trust Him, even our times of darkness and despair–our empty holes–can bring God glory.