Formless & Void
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the Earth.”
And with one word the earth became a thriving ecosystem filled with plants, animals, and life.
Nope.
It took six days to make all that stuff.
Maybe…the earth was a fertile orb ready to receive all that God would give it?
Still no.
It says, “The earth was without form and void.”
The second line of the Bible is a peek over the massive shoulder of the Creator as He begins His masterpiece. Like watching Monet prep his canvas. Or studying as Michelangelo began the sculpture of David.
People all over the world–regardless of their faith–know about the six days of Creation and one day of rest.
We’ve studied each step and observed the day of rest.
It was a process. A progression. And it was very good.
But we overlook what happened first.
Day 0 of creation has become a classic Sunday school incantation, but there is something heavy to be upheaved in these first few lines.
God created. It was formless. It was void.
Those words literally mean “confusion” and “emptiness”. Without shape. Without structure. Two words we wouldn’t imagine using to describe something God made.1
What if (before) the beginning of His creation process, God allows things to be formless or shapeless? Maybe He allows for a bit of confusion and emptiness.
Day 0 is a pile of sticks and loose canvas ready to be framed and stretched. It’s a block of clay that hasn’t even been cut or measured. It’s an awkward silence before the first note is even placed on the composer’s sheet.
When you see things becoming confusing or even empty, that’s your cue to hold tight because the Creator is preparing to make something new.
And there’s a promise in the confusion: “the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.”
His spirit is brooding over you like a mother bird. Bringing comfort and nearness in the midst of emptiness.
Take a deep breath and close your eyes.
Because day 1 is coming tomorrow. The light will come. And everything will become a bit clearer.
Then, He will blow you away and make something beyond what you can imagine.
Caleb Agee
I am a father to 3 powerful littles and married to my best friend. My wife says I'm proficient in quoting The Office, a jack of all trades and I am convinced that popcorn with apple juice is the best remedy for a hard day. No judgment! I spend my days brainstorming and perfecting good communication with a team of passionate creatives. And I believe that being in relationship with the Father should be, and is, simple. I'll spend my whole life on Him and never regret a single moment. Won’t you join me?
