How can I overcome a feeling of spiritual emptiness?

It's normal for all Christians to experience seasons of spiritual emptiness. Christianity is about having a relationship with God, and just as there are ebbs and flows in human relationships, there are times when we feel more spiritually empty than full. God knows that this will happen, and within the Bible, He has provided us insight on how to overcome that feeling of spiritual emptiness.

Frequently, sin is the source of that feeling of spiritual emptiness we are struggling with. We need to check ourselves to see if there is a place we have allowed sin to creep into our lives. Sin makes us apathetic toward the things of God and can even make us apathetic in our every day lives. The Bible commands us to live wisely. Ephesians 5:15–18 says, "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit." In order to live wisely, we need to be attentive to our spirits, souls, and physical bodies.

Spirit
Are we taking care of our spiritual health? We need to ensure that we are not living in sin, that we are seeking God, and that we are surrendered to His Spirit's work: "And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit" (Galatians 5:24–25; see also Proverbs 16:9).

Soul
How is the condition of our minds? What are we choosing to meditate on? We need to take evil thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). Philippians 4:8 gives us a guide: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."

Body
Are we taking care of our physical bodies? Our physical bodies and our spiritual and mental health are all connected. We need to ensure that we are feeding them nutritious foods, exercising them, and sleeping enough (1 Corinthians 6:19–20; 1 Corinthians 10:31; 1 Timothy 4:8).

As we feed our spirits, souls, and bodies, we will again become spiritually full and our desires will be for God's Word: "Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4). When we are working on overcoming our feelings of spiritual emptiness, it is important for us to remember that it is extremely beneficial to involve other born-again believers in our spiritual walks. As we participate in church services, Bible studies, or even one-on-one conversations with other Christians, we are encouraged and our faith is strengthened (Ephesians 3:14–19; Hebrews 10:24–25; Galatians 6:1–10; Romans 12:15).

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