There’s something painfully symbolic about the empty chair.
It may sit at the table during a holiday meal, at a family gathering, in the church pew, or at a special event. That once-occupied space—now vacant—echoes louder than words.
This is not just about physical absence.
It’s about what used to be… and what will never be the same again.
The Ache of Absence
When someone dies, they leave behind more than memories. They leave behind rhythms. Habits. Phrases. Laughter. Footsteps. Their presence filled the atmosphere—and now the void demands its own attention.
“And when he had spoken this, he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.” John 11:11 KJV
Jesus referred to death as sleep, but to those who loved Lazarus, it was absence.
Real. Tangible. Painful.
The empty chair confronts us with reality.
The person will not walk through that door again. The table will never feel the same.
Yet somehow, God sits with us in that very emptiness.
When God Sits in the Void
Grief often creates space we didn’t ask for—and don’t know how to fill. But God is not afraid of our empty places. In fact, He is known to fill them with His glory.
The widow of Zarephath had nothing but a handful of meal and a little oil—until God sustained her through it (1 Kings 17:12–16). The Shunammite woman was given a child to fill her barrenness, and even when that child died, God restored life (2 Kings 4). In the upper room after Jesus’ crucifixion, the disciples huddled in silence and grief—until the Holy Ghost came and filled the place (Acts 2:1–4).
Emptiness becomes a canvas for divine visitation.
Coping with the Visual Reminder
Seeing the empty chair is a reminder—yes. But it can also become an altar.
You may place a flower there in remembrance. You may whisper a prayer or a Scripture. You may choose to leave the chair untouched or invite someone else to sit in it.
It’s okay to feel conflicted. It’s okay to cry. But don’t let the empty chair have the last word.
God sits with you.
His Spirit comforts you.
His presence restores hope.
“He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3 KJV
Selah Reflection
Who is your “empty chair” for? What do you feel when you look at that space? What is God inviting you to release—or receive—in that place?
It’s not just about who’s missing.
It’s about how you move forward without pretending they weren’t once there.
Scripture Focus
“He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” – Psalm 147:3 KJV “The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart…” – Psalm 34:18 KJV “Jesus wept.” – John 11:35 KJV “Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle…” – Psalm 56:8 KJV
Prayer for the Emptiness
Father, I thank You because I know You hear me. Let Your will be done.
Lord, this space feels unfillable. The absence hurts.
But I invite You to sit with me in the silence.
Comfort me when I look at the place they once filled.
Show me how to honor their life while continuing my own.
Turn this pain into purpose and this space into sanctuary.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Final Word
The empty chair may always represent absence—but it can also represent a place where God meets you, again and again, with comfort, grace, and unending love.
Selah Moment with Dr. Althea Winifred
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