Day 45 (Year 2)
The Darkness at the Beginning of Creation
“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.” (Genesis 1:2 NKJV)
Genesis begins by mentioning darkness, yet it does not explain why darkness existed. This has led many to question why a rational, orderly, and light-filled God would begin creation with void and darkness. Over the centuries, various explanations have been suggested. Some believe this simply reflects the order of creation. God first created chaos, then order; first darkness, then light—without any obvious meaning.
Another view suggests that the earth’s “formless and void” condition and the subsequent darkness were connected to the fall of certain angels. Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28 describe the fall and judgment of the kings of Babylon and Tyre. Both passages mention beings who were once in heaven but were cast down because of sins (Isaiah 14:12; Ezekiel 28:18). These kings are often understood to point beyond themselves to Satan. In Genesis 1, God restricted their domain by creating light in the darkness. And after creating humans, He commanded us to subdue the earth, including overcoming Satan and his forces.
Regardless of how we interpret this chaos and darkness, before the six days of creation began, the Spirit of God was already hovering over the waters. Water can nourish life, but in Scripture it can also symbolize evil. Similarly, whether at the beginning of creation or when a person repents and turns to God, His Spirit often works first—bringing light or convicting people of sin (John 16:8). The personal significance of this verse is that human beings, formed from the dust of the earth, can call upon the Spirit of God and seek the mercy of Jesus to work in their lives, whether in emptiness, chaos, or darkness. We can ask to be overshadowed by Him and to see more of His light even in darkness.
Before sinners sincerely believe in Jesus, their lives are often marked by darkness, yet the Spirit of God can still work within their hearts. Thus, we should pray for ourselves and for those around us who have not yet believed, asking the Lord to help them sense their emptiness, chaos, or darkness. Then pray that the Spirit of Jesus would move in the places where spiritual life can be conceived—such as in a person’s conscience and reason—freeing them from deception and blindness, so that they may feel the emptiness of being far from God. Finally, we can pray that God would grant them longing, so that in the midst of confusion, they may see His light and order, leading to new spiritual life.
Reflection questions:
1) In the areas of emptiness, chaos, or darkness in your life, do you long for the work of the Holy Spirit? If so, how would you pray for Him to work within you?
2) In your conscience, reason, emotions, and will, do you readily sense God’s illumination? Among these four aspects of your life, where do you most need God to begin His work?