Chasing Emptiness, Finding Fullness: A 45-Day Journey to Spiritual Abundance

by Dr. Gladys Childs

Genres: Devotional

246 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 3, 2026

Reviews

[Julie Rebboah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! Chasing Emptiness, Finding Fullness is a beautifully and thoughtfully written devotional for anyone who loves God but feels worn down by striving, perfectionism, or spiritual fatigue. Rooted in Galatians 5:22–23, this 45-day journey invites readers to stop chasing what can’t satisfy and experience the steady fullness God offers.

Dr. Gladys Childs addresses real-life struggles—learning how to love and communicate well when it’s hard, building trust, releasing the weight of the past, and letting go of perfectionism. By walking through the Fruit of the Spirit, she gently busts common myths and shows how these virtues grow naturally through abiding rather than effort.

What makes this book stand out is its practicality. Each day includes Scripture, honest personal and biblical examples, simple application exercises, declarations, and space for reflection—making it easy to live out what you’re learning in everyday life.

This devotional is for anyone longing for deeper peace, lasting joy, and a faith that feels both grounded and life-giving. It’s an invitation to slow down and experience true fullness!

[Traci Shnider · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how this 45-Day devotional journey addresses the kind of emptiness we can't always explain—the restlessness, the striving, the sense that “more” is always just out of reach—yet it invites us to find true fullness through the nine fruits of God’s Spirit.

Each fruit has its own chapter, and Dr. Gladys Childs gently clears up common misconceptions as she guides you through daily devotionals anchored in Scripture, followed by prayer, practical applications you can put into practice, and personal affirmations you can speak over yourself.

It’s the kind of book you can read alone, but it would also work really well in a small group because it naturally encourages reflection and conversation. If you’re ready to trade the hollowness of spiritual striving for the fullness that comes from spiritual growth, this book is a solid companion and guide.

[Syrina Goodson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chasing emptiness, Finding Fullness not only breaks down the fruits of the Spirit in a way we can relate to and understand more fully, but also provides heartfelt, personal stories that show how much Gladys Childs understands what we all go through on our journey toward fulfillment with God. I enjoyed how she presents scriptural truths and breaks them down in a way that is relatable and invites reflection on our own lives and the choices we make. She breaks down walls by identifying myths and providing practical steps and affirmations to work on during your journey to fullness. This is a must-read for anyone longing to go deeper in their relationship with the Lord and to develop intimacy with Him. Reading this devotional gave me opportunities to slow down, focus on what is essential, reframe how I see my life, and the opportunity to be still with the Lord.

[Dawn R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chasing Emptiness, Finding Fullness captivated my attention right from the start. As I read these beautifully and eloquently written words, it was as though Dr. Gladys Childs had penned them just for me: “Surrender feels risky. We're afraid by letting go, life will spiral. But the truth? The tighter we cling, the more we push love away. Love can't grow in clenched fists.”

Each chapter addresses one of the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit and provides the reader with a personal prayer, practical applications, personal affirmations, and space for reflection. More than a devotional or journal, Chasing Emptiness, Finding Fullness, is a guide that takes its readers on a transformational journey to spiritual abundance.

[Christy Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spiritual guidance and encouragement for daily living!

It is an honor to recommend the beautiful new devotional by Dr. Gladys Childs, titled "Chasing Emptiness, Finding Fullness: A 45-Day Journey to Spiritual Abundance." This 45-day devotional focuses on the Fruit of the Spirit and features nine chapters filled with stories, insights on breaking free, scripture, prayers, and affirmations. Designed to deepen your spiritual growth and help overcome daily challenges, I found each entry to be insightful, relatable, and relevant. It's the perfect balance of biblical truth and encouragement for daily living. Add it to your reading list and gift a copy to a friend!

[Deborah Rutherford]

A transformative journey from parched to overflowing!

Dr. Gladys Childs delivers again with her new book, Chasing Emptiness. This isn’t just a daily devotional; it is a full transformation toward spiritual abundance. This book fills parched and weary souls with much-needed Living Water.

Through daily Christian devotionals rooted in Galatians 5:22-23, Gladys guides you through the Fruit of the Spirit with reflective and inspiring journal prompts. This book is perfect for both men and women. We all need more joy in our lives, and you will certainly find it here!

[Mary Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful resource for anyone who finds himself or herself striving rather than resting in the Lord. This 45 day devotional will lead you to discover more of the Spirit’s power, and how He is the true counselor.

Don’t miss this incredible offer on Amazon Kindle for $.99 release price. However, if you’re like me and like a hardcopy, you can get your book on Amazon, Goodreads, or through Barnes & Noble.

[Brianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

45 days of devotions with practical application. Dr Childs books are always worth reading, her insight and application steps help in the healing process. I kept making notes throughout reading and working through the book. This book fulfills its name, the emptiness we all keep chasing can be transformed into a closer relationship with the One who fills us. This book strengthened my walk with the Lord. I hope it helps yours too.

[Rosann S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chasing Emptiness, Finding Fullness is a breath of fresh air. This devotional helped to reset my heart and mind on the goodness of the Lord while inviting me to rest in His promises. Gladys Childs shares Biblical truths in a way that is both relatable and grounding. If you’re in need of encouragement, hope, and joy, this book is for you. It is perfect for personal quiet time, small group study, or as a meaningful gift for a friend who needs encouragement.

[Theresa M. Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chasing Emptiness, Finding Fullness thoughtfully examines each fruit of the Spirit through Scripture and lived experience. The author weaves biblical truth with personal insight, offering practical applications, affirmations, and intentional space for reflection. This devotional is both grounding and transformative, making it an excellent resource for those longing to overcome spiritual barriers and grow in faith.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chasing Emptiness, Finding Fullness invites readers into a journey of honest self‑examination and spiritual renewal. By unpacking the fruits of the Spirit, challenging common misconceptions, and offering meaningful, real‑life practices, the book creates space for lasting transformation. It’s the kind of book that stays with you long after you close the final page.

[Stacey Pardoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Refreshing Journey into the Fruit of the Spirit

This was a fresh take on the fruit of the Spirit for me! Gladys did an excellent job of uncovering and deeply exploring each fruit! I was inspired to step back see how these truths apply to my life. With prayers, personal stories, and guided reflections, this book was everything I hoped for and more!

[Naomi Fata · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chasing Emptiness Finding Fullness is an interactive devotional study taking a deep dive into the fruit of the spirit. Each day has meaningful journaling prompts to take the reader to a deeper level of understanding. The author also uncovers some of the common myths of of this topic.

[Joyce Farley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Encouraging book especially in difficult times!

[Lori Chasko · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was well written and thought out. The author did a great job writing it and drawing readers closer to God.

[Susan Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chasing Emptiness Finding Fullness is a thought-provoking read that challenged me to dig deeper into scripture and draw closer to God’s presence. I loved how each fruit of the Spirit was broken down into sections. In each devotion, Gladys shared personal stories and insights to draw us into discovering their deeper meaning through beautifully written illustrations. Through prompts for spiritual reflection and prayer, the reader is given an achievable strategy that guides them on a journey toward a deeper relationship with God. If you long to not just know more about the fruits of the spirit but have a plan to experience them more in your personal life, this book is for you. I left its pages feeling both encouraged and inspired.