(Gen 1:2 ESV) “The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.”
I’ve studied Scripture enough to understand what is going on in this historical account of Creation. But, as I read it, I was struck by the parallels between then and now. The description of earth was very grim; without form, void, and darkness was everywhere. It doesn’t sound like a vacation destination I would want to visit! Yet, the writer provides hope when he reports, “And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.” The implication is that even in the midst of such a pitiful atmosphere, God was nearby, and was poised to be involved in a wonderful transformation.
Our world seems to be in an awful state once again. A casual listen to the evening news, a glance at the newspapers, or browsing your favorite online news—all speak to the terrible state of our world. Darkness abounds. It sometimes feels that people are groping for purpose. Young people are frustrated, and sadly, the frustration is spilling into the streets bringing fear and danger. In recent months, we have seen an uptick in reports of unruly young people roaming the streets, creating uneasiness about being out and about after dark.
I recently took the step of getting credentialed to carry and conceal a weapon. It would take a heightened sense of danger for me to actually use a gun for protection. But, with more and more stories of shootings in the news, it seems one can never know when danger is lurking. Recently, a pastor was shot multiple times in the parking lot of the church where he serves. Thankfully, he survived. When I went to the Sheriff’s Office to pick up my permit, I was amazed at the high volume of credentials awaiting pickup. I’m not trying to be an alarmist. But, to deny the state of our world would be foolish.
I’m not writing to cause fear. In fact, we simply need to revisit the reality of God’s presence in the Creation process to have our faith restored. I believe that just as He was hovering over the face of the waters at Creation, He is hovering near now. The reality is that His Spirit now resides in His people! You and I are equipped to represent him to this dark world we live in. We are salt and light!
So, before you give in to fear and frustration at the condition of our world, remember that everything He did during Creation week was called “good!” And, everything He is doing now is good as well!
PRAYER: Father, thank You for being near and for being willing to infuse goodness into such a dark world! I want to do my part. Help me to faithfully perform my duty to be salt and light in this tasteless and dark world. Amen.
Thinking Out Loud 