“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1
We find ourselves reading this verse today for several obvious reasons. Today is January 1, 2022, the beginning of a new year. And with the changing of the calendar, often comes a renewed dedication to read God’s Word and grow in faith. And often the starting point is to open our Bible to the first chapter of the first book, and to begin reading with the first verse.
But perhaps the most fitting reason to begin with this verse is that it begins with God.
Before God created the heavens and the earth, He existed.
“He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” Colossians 1:17
All things were created by Him.
All things were created for Him.
Too often, we tend to look at the world around us, and we may be tempted to think that God created it primarily for our benefit and enjoyment.
But what if the true reasons were for His purposes, plans, and pleasure?
What if we find our purpose and meaning, not when we are trying to discover God’s will for our lives, but rather when we surrender our lives for His will?
When we offer our bodies “as a living sacrifice,” as an act of worship to God? (Romans 12:1)
So as you begin this new year, it is good to make commitments to grow and make improvements.
But in all things, begin with God.
Dedicate yourself this year to drawing closer to God.
Begin each day spending time with Him transforming your heart.
Begin each thought with Him renewing your mind.
Begin each work with Him guiding your steps.
In the beginning … in all things … this whole year … God.