Filling the Void: Finding Lasting Freedom Through God’s Love

As I read Matthew 12:43-45 this morning during my daily Bible study in the YouVersion Bible app, I felt a deep sense of conviction. Jesus’ words about the unclean spirit returning to find an empty, swept house brought a sharp reminder: it’s not enough to simply clean up my life. I need to fill it with something stronger, something enduring. If I don’t, I risk falling back into old patterns—worse off than before.

In modern terms, this could be about any number of struggles we face. Maybe you’ve made the decision to quit a bad habit, end a toxic relationship, or walk away from a lifestyle that wasn’t honoring to God. At first, everything feels lighter, cleaner—like a fresh start. But if we’re not intentional about what comes next, it’s all too easy for those old struggles to creep back in.

What does “filling the house” look like today?

When we remove something harmful from our lives, we create a space that begs to be filled. Jesus’ warning is clear: if that space remains empty, something will rush in to fill the void. The unclean spirit in the parable didn’t return alone. It brought company, leaving the person’s final condition worse than the first.

The same can happen to us. It might look like picking up a different but equally harmful habit, falling into discouragement, or letting anxiety or doubt take root. Without a firm foundation, we risk losing the progress we’ve made.

How do we prevent the return of “unclean spirits”?

Fill your life with God’s presence.
The best way to guard against spiritual attacks is to let God reign in every part of your life. Spend time in prayer and worship daily. Let His Word guide your decisions. The more you draw close to Him, the less room there is for anything that seeks to harm you.

Replace bad habits with good ones.
If you’ve quit something destructive—like excessive screen time, unhealthy eating, or toxic friendships—replace it with something that nurtures your soul. Start a new Bible study, volunteer in your community, or dedicate time to a new creative hobby that honors God.

Surround yourself with faithful people.
The company you keep matters. Seek out people who will encourage you, hold you accountable, and point you back to Christ. A strong community helps keep you grounded and supported when life gets tough.

Stay vigilant.
Spiritual freedom requires constant attention. Don’t let complacency set in. Regularly check in with yourself and with God. Are you staying in prayer? Are you continuing to grow in faith? Guard against the mindset that says, “I’m fine now—I don’t need to keep trying.” Freedom isn’t a one-time event; it’s a daily journey.

Avoiding Lukewarm Faith

The Bible warns us against being lukewarm in our faith. In Revelation 3:15-16, Jesus says, “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” Being lukewarm means being indifferent, complacent, or half-hearted in our relationship with God. If we don’t make an intentional effort to grow in faith, we risk slipping into this lukewarm state.

Instead, we should strive to be “all in” for Christ—fully committed to loving and following Him. This involves making deliberate choices in our daily lives to cultivate a deeper connection with God. Some practical ways to do this include:

• Listening to worship music: Replace secular songs with worship that uplifts your spirit and draws your heart closer to God. The words we put into our minds shape our thoughts and attitudes, so choose music that fills you with praise and gratitude.
• Practicing kindness and love: Make it a point to treat everyone around you with the love and compassion that Jesus showed. Whether it’s a smile, a word of encouragement, or an act of service, let your faith shine through your interactions.
• Engaging with God’s Word: Set aside time each day to read Scripture, reflect on its meaning, and let it guide your actions. The more you immerse yourself in the Bible, the more you will understand God’s heart and will for your life.
• Praying consistently: Develop a habit of prayer, both structured and spontaneous. Talk to God about your joys, struggles, and decisions. Prayer deepens your relationship with Him and keeps your faith active and vibrant.

Moving Forward

Jesus’ words were not only a warning but also a call to action. He showed us the importance of replacing what we leave behind with something far better—His love, His truth, and His Spirit. Today, I invite you to reflect on what parts of your life you’ve recently cleaned out and ask yourself: what am I filling that space with? Is it a deeper relationship with God, or am I leaving the door open for something else to take root? And if you’re not new to Christianity, take this moment to evaluate how you’ve been living and consider what adjustments might be needed. His mercies are new every morning, offering us fresh opportunities to grow and strengthen our faith.

When we intentionally fill our lives with God’s presence, we move beyond just being “clean” and into being truly transformed. And that transformation is what leads to lasting freedom and an unshakeable faith.

Do you have any practical tips or encouragement for others who may be struggling to fill their “house” with God’s presence? Share with us in the comments! And have a blessed day.