January 1

The Creator of All

Bible Reading: Genesis chapter 1

At the beginning of a new year, it’s good to remind ourselves of another beginning, the one we read about in Genesis chapter one.  “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1).  Out of nothing, the self-existent God created everything.  Theologians use the Latin phrase “ex nihilo” (meaning “out of nothing”) to refer to this extraordinary aspect of creation.  Out of nothing God created everything. In our endeavor to think rightly about God, this is foundational.  Out of nothing, God created the sun, moon, and stars; the expanse of heaven; the land and the seas; the plants, animals, and the fishes of the sea; and man.  He spoke it all into existence and declared His creation to be “very good” (Genesis 1:31).  Since then, God’s “eternal power and divine nature” have been on display before us (Cf. Romans 1:20). 

One of my favorite fishing holes is on the beautiful North Umpqua River.  A mile-long hike through a tall stand of old growth firs, brings you to the spot.  The hole is situated just above a 30-foot drop-off from which the river tumults into a place called the Narrows.  The sight and sound of the roaring river in this beautiful setting are inspiring.   On more than one occasion I’ve found myself singing the words to “How Great Thou Art,” praising God for the sheer beauty of His creation.  But you don’t have to go anywhere to behold God’s creation.  You can praise Him for it all no matter where you are.  In fact, the rational response of the created to their Creator is to honor Him and to give Him thanks. 

Take a moment.  Look around, in any direction.  Everything you see was created by God.  You are alive?  You have breath in your lungs?  Praise God!  He created you too.  As the Psalmist said, you “are fearfully and wonderfully made!”  Stop and consider the immensity of it all—those stars in the sky are innumerable!  The same God who created this vast universe, created those smallest particles, too small for our human eyes to see, in the heart of an atom.  Scientists tell us there are over two million distinct species of animals on this planet and over three hundred thousand species of flowering plants!  They all exist on a blue marble situated the perfect distance away from the sun (not too hot and not too cold).  The more you consider the wonders of God’s creation, the more reason you’ll find to praise Him.

Heavenly Father.  We marvel at Your wisdom and power through which you brought all things into being!  We praise you and give thanks for it is in You “ we live and move and have our being.”  Forgive us.  We are too often negligent to honor you as we should.  Creation calls to us to worship You.  Grant us ears to hear, eyes to see and hearts to respond. Amen.

“Oh Lord, my God

When I, in awesome wonder

Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made

I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder

Thy power throughout the universe displayed

Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee

How great Thou art, how great Thou art

Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee

How great Thou art, how great Thou art!”