Nature Abhors a Vacuum

“For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” —Philippians 2:13 (NIV)

Far Side cartoonist Gary Larson once drew a cartoon of a woman walking through the woods, pushing a vacuum cleaner. The caption reads:  

“The woods were dark and foreboding, and Alice sensed that sinister eyes were watching her every step. Worst of all, she knew that Nature abhorred a vacuum.”

(You can view the cartoon on Pinterest.)

Absurd? Yes. But also strangely fitting.

We are born with a vacuum—not the kind Alice pushes through the forest, but a spiritual emptiness. As children, we don’t notice it. But as we grow, we begin to feel the void. We try to fill it—with success, distraction, approval, even grumbling. But these things only stir the dust.

Even before we recognize the emptiness, God is already present—whispering through longing, stirring through questions. This is prevenient grace: the love that seeks us before we seek it. In Wesleyan tradition, we understand this journey as grace unfolding—first awakening us, then redeeming us, and finally empowering us to live holy lives.

Paul continues in the next verse: “Do everything without grumbling or arguing.” These are signs of the vacuum still at work—symptoms of a soul unsettled, still searching. But when we accept Christ, the Holy Spirit enters that space—not to sanitize our lives but to sanctify them. God works within us—not just to fill the vacuum, but to shape our will and our actions toward His good purpose.

When we walk humbly with God, even through dark and foreboding woods, we find that we are not alone. We are filled. We are guided. We are transformed.

Gracious God, thank you for the salvation offered in Jesus Christ that fills the vacuum in our lives. Thank you for the grace that goes before us, awakening our hearts and drawing us near. Bless us today as we live according to your purpose. Let our actions be for your glory. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Peace & Grace,

Pastor Tim