Answer 6: The Spirit is the one that fills the void for God has set eternity in our hearts

We look at some people and think, “They have everything the world says you need to be happy!” … and yet they are not. Quite often even the opposite—they are suicidal or depressed.

In the third century, Saint Augustine of Hippo said, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” There are also countless examples of famous people talking about how they have everything, but they still aren’t happy. Just do a search of Google and you will find them!

You see, God created us (humans) as eternal beings. We have a soul and have been made in the image of God. Without him filling that God-shaped hole inside us, we will never be happy and content. From our innermost being there comes a yearning for God. To be close to him and to have a relationship with him. The way I love to think about it is, the Greek word “Ëirene” which the Bible uses. We replace the word with peace, but it really means the tranquil state of a soul that is assured of its salvation through Christ, so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot—whatever that is.

What does all this mean for our relationship with the people around us who God has called us to witness to? What does it mean for you, as a witness when you are talking to those people? First of all, when we are praying for them and also speaking with them, we can do so with the absolute confidence that there is something within them that they are missing. It doesn’t matter who they are, how much they seem to have from an earthly point of view, you can KNOW that there is something missing in their lives.

If you find yourself talking with someone who doesn’t understand why they are not content, or why they are struggling with the pressures of life, share with them the inner need that we all have for God’s Spirit in our lives. That God-shaped void and the God who will fill it. If possible, share with them how your relationship with God has changed your life. Talk about the “tranquil state of your soul”. Give them examples in your life. Ask them if this is something that they would like for themselves.

And never forget to pray for them while you are doing this! It is the Holy Spirit who will awaken their hearts to the deep spiritual need they have for God. Pray that the Spirit would “set eternity in their hearts” (Ecclesiastes 3:11), that he would show them that he is the only answer!