Let there be light

LIVING | SPIRITUAL LIFE DEVELOPEMENT

Family is a topic that captivates most of us. It is evident from the popularity of services such as Ancestry.com and TV shows like “Finding Your Roots.” Knowing our beginnings—our history—gives us a foundation and frame of reference that grounds us. This grounding helps us when our identity is in question or difficulties come our way. Being able to say, “this is who I am,” and “this is where I came from,” can bring stability.

As believers in Christ, we do not have to go far before we can see the essence of our origin. God’s creation is not only a sign but a billboard of who we are, all part of God’s amazing creation, presented in intricate detail with great love and purpose.

The first chapter in Genesis is a wonderful way to discover our roots, which are the crowning touch on the Almighty’s days of creating the earth and everything in it. Step back and consider with awe and wonder God’s creativity in all you see and conclude by looking in the mirror, because you are His creative triumph!

Day 1 — “Then God said, ‘Let there be light.’ And light appeared.” Genesis 1:3 (TLB)

Amid obscurity and nothingness, God not only brought light, but He is the Light! Where God’s presence is, there is light. Every attribute of light is the essence of who God is. Light brings warmth, nourishment, purity, and power. His light cannot be darkened or removed.

Day 2 — “Let the vapors separate to form the sky above and the oceans below.” Genesis 1:6 (TLB)

Our Creator God spoke into being the limitless canopy above that we know as the sky. With this creation, He displays variety and color. From morning to evening, we can look overhead at a symbol of hope, inspiration, and joy. The beauty of the sky inspired the Psalmist to write, “God’s glory is on tour in the skies, God–craft on exhibit across the horizon….” Psalm 19:1 (MSG)

Day 3 — “Then God said, ‘Let the water beneath the sky be gathered into oceans so that the dry land will emerge... Let the earth burst forth with every sort of grass and seed–bearing plant, and fruit trees with seeds inside the fruit.” Genesis 1:9, 11 (TLB)

God created gentle boundaries of soil and sea. Water in the form of ponds, streams, lakes, and oceans seem to go on forever. Land in the form of pastures, fields, graceful valleys, and majestic mountains all come from the omniscient mind of God.

God brings into being every tree, bush, flower, and plant and the incredible cycle of carbon dioxide production, preparing humankind to take their first breath. Plant life also provided every fruit and vegetable to meet our every dietary need.

Day 4 — “Mark seasons and days and years, Lights in Heaven’s sky to give light to Earth.” Genesis 1:15 (MSG)

The Lord stresses the importance of rhythm and order through the steady cadence of darkness and light, day and night. The continuing pulse of time speaks to the necessary rhythm of order and harmony for our lives to flourish.

Look to the sky for its morning glory and evening calm, and know that our God is a God of pattern and progression.

Day 5 — “…God said, ‘Let the waters teem with fish and other life, and let the skies be filled with birds of every kind.’” Genesis 1:20 (TLB)

As if sea, sky, and flora were not enough, the Almighty filled the waters with fish and the sky with fowl. All are serving a purpose and giving glory to God through their presence.

Day 6 — “…God said, ‘Let the earth bring forth every kind of animal—cattle and reptiles and wildlife of every kind.’” Genesis 1:24 (TLB)

The Creator is a God who generates lifeamazing creatures, from the giant African elephant to the tiniest field mouse. All roam the earth to give their Creator glory.

“Then God said, ‘Let us make a man— someone like ourselves, to be the master of all life upon the earth and in the skies and in the seas.’” Genesis 1:26

Beyond the heavens and earth, sea and sky, flora and fauna, God made humankind. His ultimate creation. Man and woman with a heart for communing with God and a desire to pursue fellowship with Him.

Day 7 — “…on the seventh day, having finished his task, God ceased from this work he had been doing….” Genesis 2:2 (TLB)

God stepped back from His marvelous creation, paused to take in what He had done, and rested.

We are wired just like God for the ability to pause, ponder, step back, and reflect. It is essential to nourish our souls and rejuvenate our spirits. So do not just walk by a tree or ignore the sky above. God’s creation, which we are a part of, must be relished and treasured.

Psalms in a Nature Setting

Enjoying creation takes intentionality. Sometimes we walk past some of God’s glory that is right before us. Where do you begin to give deep regard for so much of God’s nature?

The Spiritual Life Development Department has created a booklet to help you walk in God’s magnificent creation with meaning and purpose. Check out “Psalms in a Nature Setting” on sld.saconnects.org/psalms-in-nature and download your copy today. With your copy in hand, lace up your sneakers and hit the trails. Or just walk around your neighborhood using this resource. You may discover a new world just outside your door!

Download your copy of “Psalms in a Nature Setting”: sld.saconnects.org/psalms-in-nature