It Only Looks Empty

It Only Looks Empty

Author: Highland Park United Methodist Church - Dallas, Texas May 24, 2026 Duration: 31:34

Rev. Chip Robertson | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide.

We tend to fill the buckets of our lives with things that, in the end, fail us—these things are empty of the promises they held for us when we acquired them—but they weigh a lot. Though there are plenty of things that leave us feeling empty, we can fill our buckets with things that leave us feeling fulfilled. How much does hope weigh? Or love? Or a child’s smile? Or a hand to hold when you are waiting to be taken to the operating room? Or a hug when the world seems to be crumbling around you? Or a willingness to risk your life for something more important than you are? 

This is one of life’s great paradoxes: what matters most often cannot be seen at all? The world trains us to chase what is visible and measurable, but the soul is nourished by what is eternal. A person can possess everything the world applauds and still feel profoundly empty. Another person may own very little and yet radiate peace, joy, and purpose because their bucket is filled with things that cannot be taken away. If your bucket is full of love, hope, grace, friendship, courage, and self-giving service, then your life is filled with treasures untouched by time, gravity, or even death.


Each week, the sanctuary of Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas, Texas, becomes a source of spiritual reflection and grounded wisdom. This audio collection presents the traditional worship services and sermons from that sacred space. You’ll hear the thoughtful, scripturally-rooted preaching of Senior Minister Rev. Paul Rasmussen and Rev. Matt Tuggle, whose messages connect ancient faith to contemporary life with clarity and compassion. This podcast offers a consistent point of connection and contemplation, delivering the full experience of a Sunday service directly to you. It’s more than just a weekly talk; it’s an invitation into a community of faith that values tradition, deep thinking, and meaningful worship. Whether you’re a longtime member, a seeker exploring Christian thought, or someone who finds solace in structured liturgy and substantive sermons, these recordings provide a reliable rhythm of inspiration. Tune in for a moment of peace, a challenge to grow, and the enduring resonance of traditional Methodist worship, captured and shared for your journey.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

HPUMC - Sanctuary Sermons (Traditional Worship)
Podcast Episodes
Σπλαγχνiζομαι “Splagchnizomai” [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:19
Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. What do we do when tragedy strikes and suffering seems random? It’s easy to feel overwhelmed or distant from God in the face of broken circumstances and unanswered ques…
Living Free [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:34
Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. Do you ever wonder if you have to “clean up” your life before God will really show up? Life isn’t neat or tidy. There are joys and sorrows, questions and celebrations.…
It's Like One Mind [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:14
Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. Do you have the mindset of Jesus? So often we spend time, money, and energy learning to think like others so that we can be more like them—more successful in business o…
The Runner on Second [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:21
Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. Have you ever found yourself presented with an opportunity you felt totally unqualified for? Two thousand years ago, an ordinary disciple named Ananias found himself in…
A Father Who Runs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:15
Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. What attribute do you love most about your father or a father figure in your life? Maybe it’s his steady strength, his listening ear, or his generosity. Maybe it’s his…
Test the Arm [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:57
Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. Sometimes, all the wisdom and experience in the world tell us to “stay put.” Don’t try. Don’t hope. Don’t believe anything will change. Whether it's a personal struggle…
Overcoming Decision-Making Anxiety [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:06
Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. Ever felt trapped in the endless cycle of decision-making anxiety? You aren’t alone. Each of us knows the overwhelming worry that comes with facing a big decision, and…
Tougher Than It Seems [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:06
Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. In a world where “might makes right,” gentleness can feel like weakness. But what if it is actually a surprising kind of strength? God places a high value on gentleness…
Out of Control [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:00
Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. “I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” These words from the Apostle Paul might be some of the most relatable…
Take Care of Momma [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:16
Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. What does it truly mean to honor those who have shaped us? In John 19, as Jesus hangs on the cross, he looks down at his mother and ensures she is cared for. Even in hi…