by Cathy Vinson

We learn that perhaps if we're not experiencing God's richness we aren't empty enough. Could we be a people filled "just enough" with the pleasures of Nothing? God in the past has acted upon emptiness. Even Genesis 1:2 says "now the earth was formless and empty..." as God came to begin Creation.

"One man pretends to be rich, yet has nothing" (Prov 13:7). We do everything to cover over the experience of our own emptiness. We are like Solomon who said, "A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work" (Ec 2:24).

Ironically, the realization of emptiness is a gift from God. If we are empty, we have a need. It is our motivation to search. Paul said that he "strained forward" (Phil 3:13). He strained and considered life as nothing because of Who he saw. "...let US, then, go to Him OUTSIDE the camp..."(Heb 13:13).

Outside. It is awkward and uncomfortable; it takes courage. There is probably not a lot of company. But in calling the emptiness for what it is may we go, so that, as Paul, we "may GAIN CHRIST" (Phil 3:8).

And Elisha said, "Borrow as many empty jars as you can from your friends and neighbors. Then go into your house with your sons and shut the door behind you. Pour olive oil from your flask into the jars, setting the jars aside as they are filled." So she did as she was told. Her sons brought many jars to her, and she filled one after another. Soon every container was full to the brim!

(2 Kings 4:3-6a )