Genesis 1:2 reads as follows, “The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.” This is only the second verse of the Bible, but the first time the word Spirit is used. Here, in the introduction to His-Story, we see the activity of His Presence initiating the creation process of our planet and mankind.
Notice the adjectives used to describe the earth at this point: without form, void and darkness. There was no light, no mountains, no trees, no flowers, no animals, no people…no beauty. Some theologians believe that at this point in time Satan had already been thrown down from Heaven to earth (see Revelation 12:9) adding chaos to an already crude habitation.
These harsh surroundings remind me of my life before Christ: No purpose, no love, no truth. Such is the human condition apart from an encounter with His Presence.
Thankfully, the story doesn’t end there. While we are presented with corruption and decay we are also made known of the Presence of the Spirit of God. He is not “watching at a distance” rather He is near and hovering over the situation.
The Hebrew word for Spirit here is ruwach, meaning breath or wind. Breath or wind cannot be seen with the human eye, only it’s effect can be observed. Such is the case with His Presence.
The next 29 verses that follow are a detailed account of God overhauling space, the atmosphere, cycles, seasons and other mysteries that are still being discovered and debated to this day. What I want you to notice is the bridge to all of this miraculous motion: His Presence.
It reminds me of my own life when I think of dynamics that God has introduced into my soul and spirit. Through receiving Christ and encountering His Presence, God has completely overhauled my vision, my morality, my relationships, my perspective and my habits.
I’ve gone from darkness to life.
From darkness to life requires the activity of His Presence.
Is His Presence moving in your life right now?
CC Image • Christopher on Flickr
