How To Deal With Emptiness

Discover how to effectively deal with emptiness during challenging seasons when your efforts seem fruitless

Introduction

I want us to talk about our seasons of nothingness. These are also known as seasons of emptiness.

Seasons where we have hustled, we have prayed, we have been grinding, we have given, and yet, we can’t show any results. It’s no wonder, then, that these seasons are so frustrating. 

I don’t know about you, but I’ve had my fair share of these experiences.

But before I show you how you can deal with such seasons, let’s clear some things up.

What does Emptiness Mean?

It’s hard to describe emptiness because it’s so many things at once. 

Generally, emptiness means the quality of lacking meaning. So, seasons of emptiness mean that you are working and putting effort into a goal, relationship, etc, but not seeing the harvest. 

Sometimes, you might be doing okay financially and in life but still experience some emotional emptiness. 

What does Emptiness Feel Like?

Emotional emptiness manifests in apathy, hopelessness, and dissociation. In such cases, you might be experiencing some mental health issues, and I advise you to speak to a mental health professional even as you work through it with prayer. 

In this guide, however, we’re focusing on how to deal with emptiness that arises when your goals and dreams seem delayed or unachievable.

Healing the Emptiness

Now that we’ve established a foundation, let’s discuss how to deal with emptiness during these tough seasons.

I want to give an analogy of a farmer here. I’m giving it because I have experienced what I will share. 

See, I know what it is to plant— you till the ground, dig a small hole, and put that maize seed. 

Nobody knows what happens during those 6-10 days before the seed germinates. But after some time, the seed sprouts, and after a few months, there is a harvest. 

But sometimes the harvest doesn’t always happen.  In my native language, a failed harvest is described as Kimera gute Iriyo.

Sometimes in your life, your hard work and struggle may end up not yielding even a single crop during the harvest. Or, like my people would say, Kimera gute Iriyo.

What Should You do When this Happens?

My encouragement is that you keep believing that things will get better. You have to believe that the season of emptiness shall pass, too. And like a healthy maize seed, there will come a time when the efforts you plant will bear fruits and be a blessing in your life.

I also implore you to be patient. 

Sometimes, after we have done all that we can, we have to wait and believe that things will happen for us. And here’s the advantage: things will happen not because of our efforts but because there is a God who cares for our affairs.

God’s Promises for Seasons of Emptiness

The following verses highlight God’s promises during these trying seasons, helping us deal with emptiness:

• “I will restore to you the years that the locust has eaten.” – Joel 2:25
  Just as God assured the Israelites, He can restore all the years that feel wasted or painful. Stay faithful and seek grace to remain patient.

• “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” – Matthew 11:28-29
  You don’t need to carry the weight of despair alone. Surrender your burdens to Jesus, and He will provide you with rest.

• “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11
  Even in times of emptiness, remember that God has a unique plan and purpose for your life.

Related: Conquering Fear With Faith

Final Thoughts on How to Deal With Emptiness

This week, I encourage you to hold onto hope and actively deal with emptiness. Keep believing that your circumstances will improve.

Trust that this season will pass, transitioning from a time of waiting to a time of manifestation. Remember, it’s not merely your efforts that will lead to change, but rather your faith in a caring God who is invested in your journey.