Daily Devotion, September 26, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Genesis 1:1-2.

  The writer of the first scenes in the Bible tries to put into words what it was like “in the beginning” when God created everything. Initially, “the earth was formless and empty” (the NRS Version says “a formless void”) and “darkness was over the surface of the deep…” Also, in Biblical times, the sea was understood to be an image for chaos. (If you have ever been on it or seen it when a storm is tossing the waves around, you can easily understand the reasoning of that!)

  All those words and images are descriptions of how life can seem at times. Life can feel formless and empty. A sense of darkness can be overwhelming at times. Chaos seems to rule.

  However, this writer communicates a life-giving message of assurance right here in the opening scenes: God creates order out of chaos! God overcomes the darkness! God gives form and structure to life! When your world feels empty, God can fill you up to overflowing!

  Yes, these are awesome images of God creating the world. But they are so much more. They let you know that this same God can create a whole new world for you as well! Celebrate that and tell everyone you can! Personal Worship Option: Is there some part of your world, your life, that is empty or chaotic right now? Give it to God, who is still in the creating business.