Reset Part 1:
Remembering Creation
Welcome to the first installment of our “Reset” devotional series. In the initial introduction, I noted that 2020 changed our lives in many ways, and many things may never be the same again. The dramatic events of that year created a tremendous increase in mental health problems. We also talked about combatting fear, anxiety, depression, etc. by doing a faith reset. In this series, we will be taking a walk through the Bible from start to finish and applying what we learn to our lives today. At each step, I have included the lyrics to songs that God inspired me to write over a decade ago.
Today we begin with the story of creation. At the bottom of this page is a link to the page “Creation” in our “Why Jesus?” section of our site. On that page, you will find information and links that will strengthen your faith and help you to trust in God and in his Word. But before we go there, let’s take a little different look at what the creation story tells us about the nature of God and his relationship to us. Then consider how this can impact our thoughts and attitudes.
God was and is fully present. The process of creation included all three members of the Trinity. Genesis 1 tells us that the Spirit of God hovered upon the dark waters that covered the earth and that God spoke order to that world. John 1 tells us that Jesus was there in the beginning and that nothing was created without him. Note also that Genesis 1:26 says, “Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule … over all the creatures that move along the ground.’” (NIV) Notice the word “us”. God didn’t create us or our world half-heartedly. The fullness of God was in the process, and he paid attention to every detail.
God continues to put himself fully into each and every part of his creation, including us. Psalm 139:13 says, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” (NIV). Take a moment to reflect on the truth that God was fully present and active in your creation from the very moment you were conceived.
God loves variety. I love going to the zoo and seeing all of the variety in God’s creation. The majestic lion, sleek tiger, chubby manatee, goofy monkey, tall giraffe, and funny looking warthog all give me joy! I love walking through gardens and seeing all of the different flowers and trees. God blessed us with an enormous variety of sights, sounds, tastes, smells and textures. Why? Because he deeply loves us and wants to give us joy and variety in life. Take a few minutes to think about the variety in nature and consider the enjoyment that we find in that variety.
God values uniqueness. Throughout creation, we find similarities, but no two of any plant, animal or mineral are exactly the same. All have something that makes them unique. Of all of the billions of people who have walked on this earth, no two people have ever been exactly the same. Even identical twins have differences. God has gifted you with a unique set of traits – physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually – that set you apart from everyone else. God didn’t want to make a group of robots or clones. He created each person individually, and he desires an individual relationship with each one. Think about how amazing it is that the Creator of the universe specifically made you as a unique individual!
God is a God of relationships. “The LORD God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.’” (Gen 2:18, NIV) As magnificent and perfect as God’s newly created world was, he understood that human beings needed to interact with other humans. God took one of Adam’s ribs and created a woman from it. Eve was given as a gift to Adam.
Throughout the entire Bible we see evidence of how much God values relationships. We were designed to be with other people. In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon laments about how meaningless most of his life was as he searched in vain for pleasure. But, in Chapter 4, we see wise counsel:
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NIV)
If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
Relationships are vital to our existence, but we need to be very cautious about who we choose. This world has done its best to corrupt God’s gifts and the result is often deep pain and regret. Take a moment and consider your relationships. Do you have people in your life who are chasing after Jesus? Do you have people who will hold you accountable? Do you have people who will build you up and give you Godly counsel? As Christ-followers, we need to be sure that we are a light to the world as opposed to conforming to this world in all of its sinfulness.
God can take care of it. All of it. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Gen 1:1, NIV). No, really – God created the heavens and the earth! He created the vast universe, and he created tiny little earth swirling around in this vast universe. He orchestrated every detail by simply speaking them in to existence! Why, then, do we find ourselves thinking that any situation is too big for God?
The beauty of the creation story is that we are reminded of the sheer majesty, magnitude, and power of God. He is all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-present, yet he cares deeply for his children! He cared so much that he even created a way for us to live with him forever through the sacrifice of Christ Jesus on the cross. He created a way to nail our sins to his cross so we could find peace. He created a way to do what we could not – to find eternal salvation. All we need to do is accept his gift.
If you have never accepted Christ as your personal savior, you can do so right now simply by acknowledging these things before God:
- I understand that I am a sinner in need of a Savior.
- I choose to repent, or turn, from my sin. I understand that I will still sin, but my attitude toward sin will change in that I desire to do your will and not my own.
- I confess with my mouth and believe in my heart that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he died for my sins and rose from the grave. Because of the finished work of Jesus on the cross, I can be forgiven all of my sins and have salvation.
- Thank you God for saving me!
Always remember that the Creator of the Universe loves you deeply and wants to walk with you. He wants to comfort and care for you. This week, remind yourself of that truth every day and throughout the day. How will this change your week?
Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord;
Psalm 95:1-6 (NIV)
let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come before him with thanksgiving
and extol him with music and song.
For the Lord is the great God,
the great King above all gods.
In his hand are the depths of the earth,
and the mountain peaks belong to him.
The sea is his, for he made it,
and his hands formed the dry land.
Come, let us bow down in worship,
let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.
Songs of Victory
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