Exploring Hope: The God-shaped hole

Posted by Will Stern on September 22, 2019

I’m convinced that every single person comes into the world with a God-shaped hole in his or her heart. We have a longing for meaning, purpose, and significance. Therefore, we go through life trying to find something that will fill the void within us.

Some people tried to fill the hole with pleasure. They dedicate themselves to sex or drugs. They look for the latest experience, hoping that the pleasure will fill the hole. But we all know that pleasure never satisfies in the end. You experience one pleasure and then slowly you become dead to its effect. So you seek out a more intense pleasure and still want more. It’s a never-ending quest. In the end, you destroy yourself while seeking “the next best thing.”

Therefore, other people try to fill the hole with success. They work hard and attend Ivy League universities. They move to the top of their career. And all along, they think that the next vocational milestone will bring the satisfaction they are seeking. “If I can only be accepted to this college, the hole in my heart will be filled.” “If I can only get a job at this law firm, the hole in my heart will be filled.” “If I can only become CEO of the company, the hole in my heart will be filled.” “If only my company can become the most influential in the field, the hole in my heart will be filled.” And no matter how much you climb the corporate ladder, it’s never enough.

So how can the hole in your heart be filled? Is there true satisfaction? Well, as I said above, we have a God-shaped hole in our heart that only God can fill. And as we repent of our sins and trust in Jesus, that hole is filled through the power of the Holy Spirit. And we experience what it is to be complete, satisfied, and alive in Christ. Listen to this beautiful song, based on Psalm 42, that speaks of this true satisfaction.

About Will Stern

Originally from Colorado, Will Stern is the pastor of Hope Presbyterian Church in Garnet Valley. He majored in violin performance for his undergrad and taught violin for a number of years before being called into ministry. He studied theology at Duke University and Westminster Theological Seminary.