Think of a sealed glass jar filled with dark, dirty water. As long as the lid stays tightly screwed on, no clean water can enter, and the dirt remains trapped inside indefinitely. But when the lid is removed and the vessel is turned upside down, every drop of foul liquid empties out onto the ground. Only when the jar is completely empty can it be rinsed and filled to the brim with clear, refreshing water. For years, we bottled up our pain, shame, fear, and resentments, pretending everything was fine while poison festered inside us. Coming to believe that a Power greater than ourselves can restore us reminds us that belief and restoration begin when we open up and pour out our hearts to God without holding anything back. God is not intimidated by our raw emotions, doubts, or anger. When we empty our hidden burdens at His feet, we make room for His restoring grace and peace to fill every empty corner of our souls. | 
