Empty Hands, Full Heart
Sunday Rewind is a 5-day Devotional based on the weekly sermon at Resonate Community Church
September 14th Sermon, Day 3
There's something profoundly liberating about coming to God with empty hands. When we stop trying to earn His favor or impress Him with our goodness, we discover the freedom of grace.
Many of us have spent years trying to be good enough—for our parents, our peers, our partners, and even for God. We've carried the heavy burden of self-righteousness, constantly measuring ourselves against impossible standards. But Jesus invites us to put down that burden.
Coming to God with empty hands doesn't mean we have nothing to offer. Rather, it means we recognize that anything good in us comes from Him in the first place. It's acknowledging that we are vessels, not sources.
When we approach God this way, something beautiful happens. Our empty hands become capable of receiving. And God is eager to fill them with His grace, His love, His strength, and His purpose.
This posture of spiritual poverty isn't a one-time event but a daily practice. Each morning, we can choose to come before God with empty hands, ready to receive whatever He has for us that day. We can release our grip on self-sufficiency and open ourselves to His sufficiency.
Today, practice coming to God with empty hands. Release your striving, your self-righteousness, your need to prove yourself. And watch how He fills your emptiness with His fullness.
Bible Verse
"Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered." - Psalm 32:1
Reflection Question
What would it look like in your daily life to consistently approach God with 'empty hands,' and what might be preventing you from fully embracing this posture of spiritual receptivity?
Quote "The first step to being right with God is coming to him with empty hands. Open empty hands."
Prayer
God, I release my need to earn Your love or prove my worth. I come to You today with empty hands, ready to receive Your grace. Fill me with Your presence and help me to live from Your sufficiency rather than my own striving. Amen.
