The black hole within us

Published 7:17 am Monday, August 1, 2011

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.” (John 14:27)

I’ve always been fascinated by black holes. No, not the ones in the street that you run over and it makes you spill your coffee.

I’m talking about the huge ones in space that have amazing gravitational powers which swallow any bit of matter that comes close to it.

Email newsletter signup

Some black holes are so powerful that light itself cannot escape its force.

Inside each and every person resides a spiritual “black hole.” It is called the human heart.

Check out what God has to say about the core of our being:

“The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9)

Our hearts have an empty spot that devours any and all goodness that passes its way. It is an aching to be filled, a longing to be known, and a hunger to be satisfied.

It started with Adam and Eve when they committed the first sin and were separated from God.

That’s when the first “spiritual black hole” appeared, and it’s been passed on to all people ever since.

What can satisfy the black hole of the human heart? People have made all sorts of attempts through money, pleasure, travel, fame, learning, art, and a host of other useless endeavors. No doubt about it, these can no more fill that inner void than a fistful of pebbles can fill the Grand Canyon.

There was one man in the Bible who made an incredible attempt to fill his empty heart. His name was King Solomon, and he was one of the richest most powerful men who has ever lived.

He experimented with every resource imaginable. He wrote, “I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure” (Eccl. 2:10).

But what was the result of his search?

He concluded, “All is vanity and grasping for the wind” (v.17). Solomon finally came to the place where he realized that fulfillment could be found only in knowing and living for God (12:13).

Have you felt the vacancy in the depths of your heart? There is only one cure: a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. He knows you better than you know yourself. He understands what you need more than anyone. Talk to Jesus every day and cherish the life-giving words of Scripture.

Perhaps it’s time to stop your vain efforts to fulfill your heart through the world and let the Savior satiate your sorrowful soul.