We have an emptiness that cannot be filled by family, money, success and the like

This is long quote from Pascal (yes, remembered by most of us for his math theorem): "What else does this craving, and this helplessness, proclaim but that there was once in man a true happiness, of which all that now remains is the empty print and trace? This he tries in vain to fill with everything around him, seeking in things that are not there the help he cannot find in those that are, though none can help, since this infinite abyss can be filled only with an infinite and immutable object; in other words by God himself". Said more precisely or paraphrased by many, "Man has a God shaped void".

Isaiah 48:7-8

They are created now and not from the beginning;

And before this day you have not heard them,

Lest you should say, ‘Of course I knew them.’

Surely you did not hear,

Surely you did not know;

Surely from long ago your ear was not opened.

For I knew that you would deal very treacherously,

And were called a transgressor from the womb.

The people of Israel worshiped God but took on other gods and God's message to them is that I was there before all this. His urging is that they move far from these and turn to Him who can look after them as in years past as quoted in verse 21, "And they did not thirst When He led them through the deserts; He caused the waters to flow from the rock for them; He also split the rock, and the waters gushed out". What an ironical situation. God is right there for these people and yet they fill their God shaped void with everything else but God. Yes, all men are looking for God but religion cannot save. Only God can!

Father, help me to step out in faith. You are able to do exceedingly above all that I can think or imagine. Trust nothing else.

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Sreedhar's Journey

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