Out of Nothing, Something

I’ve been pondering about nothing. Primarily, the concept—nay, doctrine—that God created everything out of nothing.

The idea that God created everything out of nothing is a long held belief shared by all three major monotheistic religions.

Yes, that’s right.

Jews, Christians, and Muslims agree that God created everything out of nothing. Surprised?

Even science contends that before there was anything there was nothing.

Ex Nihilo—out of nothing

1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. ² The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

³ And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.

Genesis 1:1-3 ESV

Out of nothing, God created.

The opening words of the Bible give us a powerful image of God creating the universe “Ex Nihilo,”— out of nothing. The concept of “Ex Nihilo” not only showcases God’s omnipotent power but also His sovereignty and creativity.

Unlike us—human creators—who work with existing materials, God spoke the universe into existence by His word alone. How mind blowing is that???

This act of divine creation arising from nothingness invites us to contemplate the boundless imagination and capability of God, who creates both the vast complexities of the universe and the very intricate details of our lives.

As we reflect on “Ex Nihilo,” we’re reminded of the new creations we become in Christ. Just as God brought order to chaos and filled the void at the beginning of time, He continues to work in our lives, transforming us and making all things new. This offers us immense hope, reminding us that no matter the chaos or emptiness we may feel at any one time, God is always at work around us, creating something beautiful out of our nothingness.

What does this mean to me as a creative visual artist and storyteller?

As a visual artist and storyteller, the concept of “Ex Nihilo” (out of nothing) can significantly impact and inspire my work in several profound ways:

Infinite Creativity
The idea that God created the universe out of nothing speaks to the infinite creativity that is an innate part of the divine nature. This serves as a powerful reminder of the boundless potential within us to create. As an artist made in the image of a Creator God, you and I possess an inherent ability to bring new forms, stories, and visions into existence. We should allow this concept to embolden our creative endeavors, knowing that our capacity to create is a reflection of the divine.

The Power of Words and Vision
God spoke the universe into existence. He said it; it became so. What a potent transformative power of words and vision! How could we incorporate this aspect of divine creativity into our storytelling and visual arts? Our creations, whether through words, paint, sculpture, or digital media, have the power to shape perspectives, evoke emotions, and inspire change. We must consider how our work can speak life, hope, and beauty into the world.

Transformation and New Beginnings
Just as “Ex Nihilo” signifies creation from nothing, our work symbolizes transformation and new beginnings. Through our art, we have the unique opportunity to take blank canvases, empty pages, or silent spaces and transform them into something meaningful that resonates with the human experience. Each piece can be a testament to the possibility of change and the beauty of starting anew. How beautiful is that!?!

Engaging with the Chaos
In the narrative of creation, the Spirit of God is seen hovering over the formless and empty void. This parallels the artistic process, where the initial stages of creation often involve engaging with chaos—be it in the form of raw emotions, a jumble of ideas, or the blankness that precedes creation. Our role as an artist involves hovering in this space, ready to bring order, beauty, and expression out of the formless beginnings.

Reflection and Empathy
The concept of “Ex Nihilo” invites deep reflection on existence, purpose, and the human condition—themes that are central to both visual art and storytelling. By embedding these themes into our work, we create opportunities for viewers and readers to encounter and empathize with the stories and realities beyond their own. Our art becomes a bridge between the seen and the unseen, the spoken and the unvoiced.

As we venture forward into works unknown, we must let the “Ex Nihilo” concept inspire us to view our work as a visual artist and storyteller not just as a career or hobby but as a divine calling to create, transform, and communicate. May our creations reflect the beauty, complexity, and hope that come from bringing something new into existence, mirroring the creative heart of God.

Remember, our art has the power to move hearts, change minds, and even transform lives. May we embrace the process, from the void to the final piece, as a journey of co-creation with the Divine.

I look forward to hearing from you in the comments below!

Until my next post…

God is good. All the time. 

No matter what.

Know you are loved.

Praying for you. Praying for America.

Rainer Bantau —The Devotional Guy™

#JesusStrong