“In the beginning God…” – Genesis 1:1
“Bethlehem is not the end of our journey but only the beginning.” So wrote Frederick Buechner in his 1966 work The Magnificent Defeat. And while his words apply to any beginning, Buechner penned them in the context of the Christmas season where the temptation is to linger in the seasonal warmth of peace and joy.
But what did he mean, “Bethlehem is not the end of our journey”? Buechner sheds light on that. “Home . . . for us is not the manger where the light is gentle and God is a child. . . . We must also depart into our own country again, where peace is not found in escape from the battle but in the very heat of the battle.”
If we’re honest about the vast number of unknowns in store for each of us, the very first words of Scripture have the power to steady us. “In the beginning God…” (Genesis 1:1). Even before anything had been formed, “the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters” (v.2). That’s the timeless nature of God’s truth. He was before all things—everything.
And He continues to go before us in all things. He’s there whether we acknowledge it or not, but why wouldn’t we? If we’re serious about following His ways and will, we’ll both remember and cling to that truth as we enter a new year of our life’s uncertain journey. As you journey on, remember, God’s already there. He’s been there from the beginning.
– John Blase
What uncertainties are you sensing on the horizon? How will you entrust them to your heavenly Father?
Dear Father, thank You for the gift of Your abiding presence as I look to the days ahead. Thank you for always being with me and accompanying me every day. Facing the uncertain future of life often brings anxiety and uneasiness. Please strengthen my heart to remember that You have always been there, waiting for me. You are the Lord who has existed from the beginning and are still with me today. I can confidently rely on You in all things. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. Then he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light “day” and the darkness “night.” And evening passed and morning came, marking the first day.”
