Rev Renewal
Rev Renewal“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters (Genesis 1:1-2)”
“God saw all that he had made and itwas very good. And there was evening, and there was morning – the sixth day (Genesis 1:31)”
“Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array (Genesis 2:1)”
Formless, empty, and dark. At times, it may feel as if our lives are experiencing these three traits. The ongoing routines and rhythms are nothing more than rotational elements that happen, lacking any true fullness. We may be experiencing an empty feeling as we take in the sadness, struggles, and challenges facing our world today. With the ongoing situations, there also may be a darkened cloud lingering around us. “Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters”
At the beginning of creation, just prior to Gods work coming into play, we hear the similar traits of formlessness, emptiness, and darkness. However, if we read the final words of Genesis 1:2, we see that God was in fact present. That is good news, as it reveals from the very beginning, in the emptiness and darkness, God’s Spirit was hovering over this space that soon would become an amazing creation. It can be normal to allow the darkness and emptiness to consume our thoughts. It can be normal to feel as if all has been lost. God, however, is aware of all things and from the beginning was aware of a much brighter picture he desired for creation.
“God saw all that he had made and it was very good.” After creation was completed, God states that all of it was “very good”. It was not just average, or ok, or mediocre. God delighted in all elements of creation. From the darkened, formless state to a full and rich creation, God was pleased. The chaos and disorder originally present was now transformed into a splendorous creation of plants and animals of all sorts, vegetation, sunlight, and a humanity which was granted stewardship of the creation. “Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array”.
During a time that continues to include deep sadness, pain, and struggle, I encourage you to recall the words from Genesis and the richness of how God created the heavens and the earth. May you know that from the beginning, God was present for each one of us. God was aware of the vast emptiness and darkness present just as he is aware of it today. Yet, God desired to create a creation filled with variety, beauty, and fullness. This desire is still true today.
God sees all his creation as very good. God is calling us to experience this richness even in our present day. The heavens and the earth were created in all their vast array by God for his glory. May God’s glory continue to shine on as we reflect in in our lives. Alleluia
Blessings,
Pastor Arlyn ><>