Genesis 1:2 (NKJV)
In Genesis 1:2, God separated the firmament creating heaven and water on the earth. As I understand it, at this point in creation the earth was mostly (if not entirely) water. Today water still makes up over 70% of the surface (www.usgs.gov/water-science school/science/howmuchwateristhereonearth).
I know God created the earth with great purpose in mind, so I have to wonder why God left so much water and created a small portion of land? My first, theological and unscientific conclusion is that water is a vital part of life and makes it so the land mass is sustainable. I believe God does everything with intentional purpose, so while other elements are important as well, water is our most important component. Without water we would die. In order to survive man and animals need water to drink and we need water to grow food.
It’s hard to imagine what earth looked like when it was formless and empty but we can imagine there was a lot of water. I envision the elements that made up the oceans, the inland water, and the land masses were in and of God.
Genesis 1:2 says, “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.”
There was unformed earth, darkness, and the Spirit of God. The Spirit of God, the breath of God breathed. The Hebrew word used is Ruach. The Ruach or Spirit of God was hovering. While God hovered over the waters, the Spirit of God was ready to touch the earth. I think of it this way. When it’s really cold and I breathe out I can see where my breath ‘lands’.
In Genesis Chapter One, Verse Two:
God’s was prepared to breath.
The elements were in place.
The heaven was above, and the waters were below.
Darkness was ON the face of the deep.
And the Spirit of God hovered over the ‘face’ of the waters.
So, what is the FACE of in this case? The Hebrew word for FACE is Peniel. It can literally mean someone’s face, but in this case it does not. In this case God does not have a face. God in the flesh is Jesus and in human form Jesus had a face. The Hebrew word here means PRESENCE. The Spirit of God, the divine presence of God hovered over the waters.
The best way I can explain what happens is when the Spirit of God hovers on me when God is about to reveal something to me. I need you to know that I believe the Spirit of God approaches everyone who is open to God’s presence. I don’t believe I am more special or more gifted. I do know that I spent a great deal of time during my childhood reading and thinking about God. I think that was my subconscious mind remembering the Spirit of God who interacted with me when I was a baby.
I nearly died when I was 6 months old and my parents were told if I survived my brain would be severely damaged. I know (because he told me) that my dad prayed for me in that moment. I think it’s possible that what happened to me was a near death experience. I believe God was ever so close to me...hovering. Even though I was a baby, my subconscious mind would readily recognize the feeling of the Spirit of God hovering on me. Even when I was young when I was by myself sitting in silence, I knew God was there with me.
That’s part of the reason I fell in love with Spiritual Direction. I love helping other people experience sitting in silence with God. I love it when they realize what it feels like to experience God. The key is in giving God ‘space’ so His Spirit can hover on us and we can accept God’s presence in us.
God never forces Himself upon us. In my experience, God hovers on me every time. He calls out my name...Deborah. I answer and invite God in.
In Genesis 1:2, the same Spirit of God that hovers over me (you), hovered over the water and when He breathed, his breathe touched the water.
When the face (presence) of the breath of God (Spirit) interacted with the earth, it set off a chain reaction that would move atoms and molecules that would give the earth form. God was setting the stage for what was to come.
Today, when God calls my name, I’ve learned to stop whatever I’m doing and thinking so I can turn to God. Getting to the reason God called my name doesn’t usually bring about an instantaneous realization of knowledge. I have learned to stop, sit in silence with God, and wait for God to reveal what He has for me.
That’s why the silence is holy...set apart. We need to set our mind and body apart from this fast-paced world so we can experience God and hear what God has to give us. It IS a gift.
Today’s Spiritual Practice is: Silence
Practice sitting in silence with God. Learning to recognize and respond to the Spirit of God takes practice. Today, give God time so you can know Him better. When we give God time, we recognize His Face (Presence).
Be Blessed In God, Deborah
acrazyjourney.com
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