In the Beginning…
Life is, I discover, full of beginnings. It’s full of endings too, which can be sad or a relief, depending on what was. This strikes me every January, as I put the old year to bed along with the Christmas ornaments. Clean, fresh surfaces welcome the new. I’ve created space for you New Year; what will you bring? May it be a blessing…
Before I know it, Easter arrives with new growth and blossoms. Longer days beckon: enjoy spring! What will you bring, new season? May it also be a blessing…
Genesis
“Genesis” means: the origin of something, the source, root, beginning, commencement, start, onset.
The Book of Genesis begins with this phrase: “In the beginning, God…”
In the beginning of all that we know, God is the central player. It’s still true, “in the beginning, God…” In the beginning of this day, this week, this season – God is still central. The future, which is yet unformed (from my perspective at least), appears to be straining at the gates, ready to barrel out of the chute at rapid speed. Nothing slows it down; it’s pulsing with creative energy whether I’m ready for it or not. This is the hallmark of God!
So today, I mark “Genesis One” moments – moments where I feel the presence of God – with trust and celebration, relieved to find that this is still true: “In all things, God works…” (Romans 8:28).
What I see in Genesis One is the Spirit of God hovering over the surface of that which appears formless and empty, but apparently to Him, it is not. He seems to see potential here, because after a period of intermingling with darkness, He comes up with a phrase, “Let there be light” and there was…. It’s almost as if the light was there all along; He just needed to find it and make room for it. That may or may not be the case, but to me, the phrase, “Let there be light” says, “Move aside darkness; make room for something better. I have light in mind.” And that is what happens.
Let There be Light
I prefer the long days of summer to the short, dark winter. I prefer life to be fun and productive and progressing along nicely, but this is not always the case. Some days feel dark and chaotic, events bring deep and sudden grief, fear, or anger. This feels dark to me; chaotic emotions are unwelcome, and yet they appear. Sometimes they arrive out of nowhere, attached to an event or broken relationship. At other times, they appear slowly on the horizon, suitcase in hand, and we seem powerless to keep them at bay. They move in, filling the drawers and nooks and crannies, as if they intend to stay for an undefined period. This appears to be part of living, much as I wish this weren’t true.
But from the Genesis One perspective, I catch a glimpse of hope. All is not lost because God hovers over dark and empty voids, my darkness and your darkness; He is not frightened by this. He hovers – that indicates nearness, and this comforts me. I am not alone and He is not idle. He hovers with intentionality, scrutinizing – where is the light going to be found in this situation? And when He finds it, he says to the darkness, “Move aside; make room for something better. I have light in mind.”
Light out of darkness; this is the work of God. Even today He speaks, “Let there be light” – He will find it and bring it to you. He is here, hovering with creative love and deep insight. This is hope in action.
