DAY 26 — The Need for Wholeness

Every one of us longs for wholeness (Thirst-Quenching Essential #8)—a sense that all the fragmented pieces of our lives somehow fit together. At its heart, wholeness means living with integrity: acknowledging your weaknesses and wounds, while moving forward in growth and purpose. It’s not perfection; it’s being the same person inside and out, with nothing hidden or divided.

The problem is, genuine wholeness is rare when we try to create it on our own. The world tells us to “look within” and make peace with ourselves, but the truth is that most of us discover more contradiction than clarity. The gap between who we are and who we want to be leaves us unsettled. Instead of wholeness, we feel fractured—unstable, empty, or unsure of who we really are.

This inner void drives people to all sorts of substitutes: achievement, recognition, approval, even humor. We remember beloved comedian Robin Williams, who seemed to bring joy to millions, yet privately battled deep pain. His story reminds us that outward success or making others happy cannot heal an aching soul.

Without Jesus, our attempts at wholeness often leave us more fractured, not less.

That’s why Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians are such good news. He acknowledges that outwardly we are wasting away—life takes its toll. But inwardly, through Christ, we are being renewed day by day. Wholeness doesn’t come from ignoring our flaws or covering them up. It comes when we focus our gaze on what is unseen—on Christ, who holds all things together, even the broken pieces of us.

Wholeness in Him means our wounds aren’t wasted. Our contradictions aren’t the end of the story. Jesus renews us from the inside out, integrating every part of our lives into His bigger story of redemption.

Drink Deep

Where are you most aware of your “fractured” places? Instead of hiding or ignoring them, bring them to Jesus today. Ask Him to renew you from the inside out and make you whole.