Perhaps, if you grew up in the pre-computer era like myself, you remember a childhood shape toy often found in preschools, doctor’s office waiting rooms, church nurseries, daycare centers, grandparents’ living rooms, or even tucked away in the corner of a friend’s playroom. It had various shapes—a square for the square hole, a triangle for the triangle hole, and a star for the star-shaped hole, etc.
This simple toy taught us much more than matching shapes. It was an introductory lesson in problem-solving, patience, and understanding. Also, it taught us how everything has its place and purpose—only the correct shape could actually fill the hole.
Have you ever thought about how we are created in a similar way? I remember, as a child, how excited my brother and I would be on Christmas morning. We’d run down stairs, find our gifts, pick out our spot and then wait with anticipation for Mom and Dad to give us the “ok” to open our packages—and then it was on! Wow, such great memories!
Looking back though, as I entered my preteens I can vividly remember having this dull sense of emptiness later in the day. I never understood such. The gifts had been opened, their secrets had been revealed, and for a few hours we’d played with new toys—but then what?
Despite all the excitement and activity and in spite of the fact that we essentially always (within reason) got what we had hoped for—something seemed to be missing. While it didn’t make much sense to me then, it makes perfect sense now.
Just like that childhood toy, we too have been designed with a hole—a hole that longs to be filled. Left to ourselves, we often try to fill the emptiness with the things of this world: material possessions, financial success, career achievements, romantic relationships, social media validation, popularity, power, entertainment, substances, food, hobbies, adventure, fitness, or even knowledge.
For others, the quest for fulfillment might take the form of travel, perfectionism, or even noble pursuits like friends, family, or philanthropy. The truth is, however, even good things—when misaligned—will never satisfy the fundamental need of our hearts. There’s only one thing that can truly fill that void—God.
You and I have been created with a God-shaped hole in our hearts that only He can fill. Jesus Himself said, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst” (John 6:35).
Thus, only Jesus can truly satisfy the deepest, aching needs of our hearts. To look elsewhere for fulfillment is both futile and foolish—a chasing after the wind and leaving us empty and longing for more.
Thank God that we have everything we will ever need in Him.
You are loved!
