Empty Myself

God only fills empty hands, so we must empty ourselves, particularly of the sins of self that separate us from Him. – Dr. Beverly Rose

I’ve been reading a book called, “So close, I can feel God’s breath,” by Dr. Beverly Rose. She shares her story of living with a debilitating muscle disease that is both painful and crippling. One day as she was experiencing severe pain and nausea she was calling out to God for healing. In her frustration she cried out bible verses about asking and receiving, but no healing came.

She read a quote by P.T. Forsyth who believed, “We shall come one day to a heaven where we shall gratefully know God’s great refusals were sometimes the true answers to our truest prayers.” As true as that statement was, she still couldn’t find rest and a wave of nausea came over her. “At least I’m emptying myself,” she quipped. But then asked herself, “But have I emptyed myself enough spiritually to let God in?” She then prayed again and asked God to grant her the strength to empty herself so that He could fill her with His presence.

As she layed in bed trying to empy herself she continued to stumble through more words of prayer when she suddenly realized something. “How can I empty myself while my mouth remains full of words?” Be still, and know that I am God, filled her mind. Let all within you listen to Him.

We become silent not merely to refrain from speech but to detach from earthly preoccupations and to meditate upon what is essential: the living God. We do not remain detached from life, however, but reenter our lives with new insight and perspective, having made a place in our hearts for God to abide.

I love the cover of the new Royal Records Book – Blessed is She Who Believes. The image of the woman with outstretched arms and empty hands raised to God reminds me to stop……and just be in His presence. Quiet my heart, empty myself and be filled with Him.