Moving Mountains (obstacles, disorder, darkness) into the Sea from where they came (part 4) August 27

As I continue to reflect on Genesis 1:2, a profound passage that speaks of the formless earth, void and covered in darkness, with the Spirit of God hovering over the waters, a series of contemplations unfold. In Genesis 1, the narrative extends, revealing that each day of creation begins with the night (Genesis 1:5).

A notable observation emerges: God's creative process consistently initiates in the darkness. This prompts a deeper exploration of the initial verses of Genesis 1:2. The opening lines emphasize the presence of darkness and chaos, as the earth lacks form and structure. Amid this disordered state, the Holy Spirit hovers over the obscure waters, signifying that beginnings often harbor elements of obscurity and perplexity.

Analogously, encounters with novel concepts or disciplines, like algebra, chemistry, or physics, may initially seem bewildering, akin to the darkness upon the waters. Just as the Holy Spirit hovers over the water's face, guiding transformation, understanding gradually emerges in these studies. This process parallels the Holy Spirit's interaction with the deep, transforming it into navigable waters, much like comprehension dawns in the previously perplexing subjects.

The analogy extends to Peter walking on water, his gaze on Jesus generating a calm, whereas focusing on the water caused turmoil and chaos - from focusing on the dark water (Matthew 14:29-30). This encapsulates the idea that, while embarking on endeavors, darkness and uncertainty are natural starting points (the deep). This dynamic resonates with the phases of childbirth, commencing in the obscurity of the womb, then progressing through contractions, analogous to the Holy Spirit's movement, and then finally, birth.

The correlation among these aspects becomes more apparent when comparing them to God's creative acts. As God's voice commands, "Let there be light," the emergence of light signals the inception of creation, paralleling a newborn's entry into the world. The interconnectedness between light and darkness, exemplified in quantum physics, underscores the recurring pattern of light particles emerging from obscurity (light wave).

Within this pattern, the pivotal separation of darkness and light, water and dry land, features the hovering Spirit. This catalytic point represents the union of God's Word (Jesus) and the Holy Spirit, culminating in meaningful differentiation and creation.

These patterns transcend the physical realm and permeate cognitive processes. Just as thoughts gestate in the darkness of the mind, they evolve through meditation and contemplation into articulated expressions. The connection between the Word of God and the Holy Spirit mirrors the interface between thought and spoken word.

Here is an example: Walt Disney's vision (which started in the dark recesses of his mind) transformed a Floridian swamp into Disney World (the culmination of the spark of light he had in his meditations regarding this idea). While not directly a "God thought," the concept demonstrates God's influence on creativity, raining ideas upon humanity. The biblical concept of rain falling on the just and unjust may apply here because I do not know if Walt knew God, but God can use any man or woman to bring light into our world (Matthew 5:45).

The correlation between meditation on Genesis 1:2 and daily life is apparent. The progression from darkness to light, chaos to order, applies to adversities as well. Utilizing prayer language and the Word of God, transformation occurs, exemplifying the process of creation itself.

In the tapestry of life, darkness invariably precedes light. Embracing this pattern, believers can channel the Holy Spirit to convert disorder into meaning. This understanding empowers us to engage with life's challenges, confident that, through meditation, prayer, and the Word, we can create order from chaos.

As we explore these contemplations, we grasp that even in the absence of a direct relationship with God, humanity can operate within these principles. Nonetheless, the full comprehension of this process, I believe, is reserved for those who have embraced Christ. His light illuminates our existence, enhancing our understanding of these profound patterns.

Thus, returning to Genesis 1:2, the meditation takes root. This ongoing contemplation harnesses the power of prayer language and the Word, fostering comprehension applicable across all facets of life. The darkness preceding light becomes a universal motif, illustrating that, ultimately, order can be restored by directing darkness back to where it came and allowing light and God’s creative process to prevail.