Creation - The Voice of Order
January 6, 2025
In a world that often feels chaotic and unpredictable, there's a profound truth that can anchor our souls: God is a God of order. From the very beginning of creation, we see this divine characteristic at work. The opening verses of Genesis paint a picture of God bringing form and structure to what was once "without form and void." This act of creation wasn't just about making something out of nothing; it was about instilling purpose, beauty, and harmony into existence.
As we reflect on this concept of divine order, we're reminded that God's intention for His creation has always been for it to thrive and flourish. He didn't create the earth to be empty or barren, but filled it with life and purpose. This truth extends to each one of us – we were put on this earth with a unique calling, meant to walk in strength and to flourish in the world around us.
However, the reality is that sin and rebellion have often disrupted this divine order. The prophet Jeremiah vividly describes what happens when God's structure becomes dysfunctional: "I looked on the earth, and behold, it was without form and void; and to the heavens, and they had no light." This imagery echoes the chaos before creation, showing how our disobedience can lead us back to a state of disorder.
Yet, even in the face of human rebellion, God's voice continues to speak order. He doesn't abandon His creation to chaos but steps in to restore and renew. This cycle of restoration is evident throughout the Old Testament, where we see God's people alternating between obedience and rebellion, order and chaos.
The ultimate expression of God's desire to bring order to chaos came in the person of Jesus Christ. As John's Gospel tells us, "The Word became flesh" – God Himself entered our world to restore what was broken. Jesus' ministry was marked by bringing order wherever He went: calming storms, healing broken lives, driving out darkness, and bringing liberty to captives.
This mission of Jesus wasn't just for those who lived during His earthly ministry. It's a promise that extends to us here and now. We don't have to live in chaos, dysfunction, or disarray. When we encounter our Savior Jesus Christ, He offers us hope and the promise of order in our lives.
But here's the beautiful part: we're not just called to receive this order; we're called to be conduits of it. As believers, we should be known as people who bring calm and peace wherever we go. Our homes, workplaces, and communities should reflect the nature of God and cultivate a life of order.
As we reflect on this concept of divine order, we're reminded that God's intention for His creation has always been for it to thrive and flourish. He didn't create the earth to be empty or barren, but filled it with life and purpose. This truth extends to each one of us – we were put on this earth with a unique calling, meant to walk in strength and to flourish in the world around us.
However, the reality is that sin and rebellion have often disrupted this divine order. The prophet Jeremiah vividly describes what happens when God's structure becomes dysfunctional: "I looked on the earth, and behold, it was without form and void; and to the heavens, and they had no light." This imagery echoes the chaos before creation, showing how our disobedience can lead us back to a state of disorder.
Yet, even in the face of human rebellion, God's voice continues to speak order. He doesn't abandon His creation to chaos but steps in to restore and renew. This cycle of restoration is evident throughout the Old Testament, where we see God's people alternating between obedience and rebellion, order and chaos.
The ultimate expression of God's desire to bring order to chaos came in the person of Jesus Christ. As John's Gospel tells us, "The Word became flesh" – God Himself entered our world to restore what was broken. Jesus' ministry was marked by bringing order wherever He went: calming storms, healing broken lives, driving out darkness, and bringing liberty to captives.
This mission of Jesus wasn't just for those who lived during His earthly ministry. It's a promise that extends to us here and now. We don't have to live in chaos, dysfunction, or disarray. When we encounter our Savior Jesus Christ, He offers us hope and the promise of order in our lives.
But here's the beautiful part: we're not just called to receive this order; we're called to be conduits of it. As believers, we should be known as people who bring calm and peace wherever we go. Our homes, workplaces, and communities should reflect the nature of God and cultivate a life of order.
So how can we practically live this out? Here are some key steps to consider:
- Invite God to speak order into your chaos: Identify areas of your life that feel out of control and ask God to bring His order there.
- Establish rhythms that reflect God's order: Create routines and habits that align with God's principles, like regular prayer and worship.
- Commit to building flourishing relationships: Healthy, thriving relationships are essential to a well-ordered life.
- Pursue alignment with God's purpose: Instead of trying to bend God's will to ours, seek to align ourselves with His plans for our flourishing.
- Step away from the chaos of disobedience: Recognize that often, the disorder in our lives stems from not living according to God's word and plan.
- Be a voice of order in the lives of others: When you enter a room or situation, be the calming presence that brings peace and solutions.
- Dedicate this year to God's glory: Remember that the ultimate purpose of order in our lives is to glorify God.
As we embark on a new year, many of us may be feeling the weight of unresolved chaos from the past or anxiety about the future. This is a perfect time to engage in focused prayer and fasting, seeking God's voice of order in our lives. It's important to remember that the purpose of these spiritual disciplines isn't to try to manipulate God into doing what we want. Rather, it's about positioning ourselves to hear His voice more clearly and aligning our will with His.
When we fast and pray, we're not on a hunger strike against heaven. We're creating space in our lives to tune into God's frequency, allowing His order to permeate our thoughts, emotions, and circumstances. It's about moving ourselves into God's will, not the other way around.
As we seek this divine order, we may find that God is speaking into various areas of our lives:
When we fast and pray, we're not on a hunger strike against heaven. We're creating space in our lives to tune into God's frequency, allowing His order to permeate our thoughts, emotions, and circumstances. It's about moving ourselves into God's will, not the other way around.
As we seek this divine order, we may find that God is speaking into various areas of our lives:
- Our finances: bringing wisdom and discipline to our resources
- Our relationships: healing rifts and deepening connections
- Our work life: providing purpose and excellence in our daily tasks
- Our mindset: replacing confusion with clarity and peace
- Our emotions: bringing stability to the roller coaster of feelings
Whatever area of life feels chaotic right now, know that God desires to speak His order into that situation. He offers peace that surpasses understanding, capable of calming the stormiest seas of our hearts and minds.
As we move forward, let's commit to being not just recipients of God's order but also conduits of it in the world around us. When we walk into a room, let it be said of us that we bring a sense of calm and assurance. In the face of others' storms and chaos, may we be the ones who speak words of peace and offer practical help to navigate the turbulence.
Remember, you have been empowered by the Holy Spirit to be a voice of order in a disordered world. Just as Jesus calmed the storm for His disciples, you can be an agent of God's peace in the lives of those around you.
This year, let's dedicate ourselves to living in and spreading God's order. As we do, we'll find that our lives become a testament to His glory, reflecting the beauty and harmony of His original creation. In a world crying out for stability and meaning, we have the privilege of showcasing the transformative power of a life aligned with God's perfect order.
So, as you face the challenges and opportunities of this new year, listen for that voice of order. Let it guide you, shape you, and flow through you. In doing so, you'll not only find peace for yourself but become a beacon of hope for others navigating the chaos of life.
As we move forward, let's commit to being not just recipients of God's order but also conduits of it in the world around us. When we walk into a room, let it be said of us that we bring a sense of calm and assurance. In the face of others' storms and chaos, may we be the ones who speak words of peace and offer practical help to navigate the turbulence.
Remember, you have been empowered by the Holy Spirit to be a voice of order in a disordered world. Just as Jesus calmed the storm for His disciples, you can be an agent of God's peace in the lives of those around you.
This year, let's dedicate ourselves to living in and spreading God's order. As we do, we'll find that our lives become a testament to His glory, reflecting the beauty and harmony of His original creation. In a world crying out for stability and meaning, we have the privilege of showcasing the transformative power of a life aligned with God's perfect order.
So, as you face the challenges and opportunities of this new year, listen for that voice of order. Let it guide you, shape you, and flow through you. In doing so, you'll not only find peace for yourself but become a beacon of hope for others navigating the chaos of life.