Though it is a well-known passage to many, Genesis 1 contains a wealth of knowledge and inspiration that is just waiting to be discovered.  This is not only an old story; it is a guide for our lives, an affirmation of God's might, and an exhortation to have a purpose.  Let's examine this fundamental chapter from a new perspective and see what it may teach us about the present.

“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. And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” (Genesis 1:1-3)

There was blackness and formlessness before everything else. This is similar to how chaotic our own lives may be.  The lack of direction, the ambiguity, and the nothingness. It is as if we thought that in such profound darkness, we would never be able to see again. However, God's Spirit was still there, hovering, and ready to provide order even amid this emptiness. As God spoke, the darkness was filled with light. He illuminated the extremely dark place. The immense power of the Lord was clearly visible that even by His Word alone, light came to the place shrouded in darkness. 

Think about this: Your darkest circumstances can be illuminated by God's message. What 'darkness' are you dealing with right now?  Talk the truth of God into that point in time.  Pray, read the Bible, and let His light shine through.

“And God said, ‘Let there be a vault between the waters to separate water from water.’ So God made the vault and separated the water under the vault from the water above it. And it was so. God called the vault ‘sky.’ And there was evening, and there was morning—the second day.” (Genesis 1:6-8)

Space, which separates the oceans above and below, was created by God.  This division is essential.  It emphasizes how crucial limits are to our life. We must disassociate ourselves from sins, harmful connections, bad habits, and harmful ways of thinking. We can't mix our bad deeds while worshiping the Lord. Those two can never go together.

What limits must you set in order to make room in your life for God to work and for yourself?  Please keep in mind that separation is a tactical advantage for progress, not isolation.

“And God said, ‘Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.’ And it was so. God called the dry ground ‘land,’ and the gathered waters he called ‘seas.’ And God saw that it was good.” (Genesis 1:9-10)

God ordered the waters to accumulate, exposing the land.  After that, He covered the earth with vegetation. This day highlights our own potential. Before God breathed life into the land, it was dry. Everything created by the Lord has meaning and significance. God has the ability to create fruitfulness from seemingly barren soil. 

What latent potential do you possess? Which passion or talent seeds are just waiting to sprout? Nurture your talents, develop your passions, and believe that God will provide a harvest.

The careful filling of the gaps that God made is described in detail on days four through six. First the marine animals, then the stars in the sky, and lastly, man created in His likeness. Today serves as a reminder that God is not a random maker.  He acts with purpose and meaning. He brought wonder, beauty, and life to the earth. And He has a certain plan for you.  

Think on this: You are not a coincidence.  You were purposefully and intentionally created.

"By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done." (Genesis 1:31-2:1)

God had a rest. He was thrilled in His creation, not because He was worn out. He designated a day for relaxation and introspection. We can learn a lot from this. We must consciously make room for relaxation, introspection, and a renewed relationship with God. Rest is a precious act that honors God and replenishes our spirits; it is not a sign of laziness.

Genesis 1 offers an invitation to a fresh start and is more than a mere creation story.  A fresh start, full of light, order, rest, and purpose.  Accept the teachings of Genesis 1 and begin letting God work beauty in your life right now.