Genesis 1 - Let There Be Light
- Dr. Layne McDonald
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
Welcome to The Bible Club, friend.
Today, we're not just starting a new study. We're starting at the beginning. The very first words. The moment before moments existed. The breath before creation took its first breath.
If you've ever felt like you needed a fresh start: a clean slate: then pull up a chair. Grab your coffee. Open your Bible or your app. Because Genesis 1:1-5 isn't just ancient history. It's a blueprint for how God still works today.
Pastor Dr. Layne McDonald often reminds us here at Boundless Online Church: "God has never been intimidated by darkness. He specializes in speaking light into it."
Let's dive in together: verse by verse.
Verse 1: Before Everything, God
"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." : Genesis 1:1 (NIV)
Stop right there. Read it again.
In the beginning God...
Not "In the beginning, chaos." Not "In the beginning, confusion." Not "In the beginning, you were alone."
God.
Before there was a universe to explore, before there were stars to wish upon, before there was ground beneath your feet: there was God. Already present. Already sovereign. Already working.
This single verse establishes the most important truth you'll ever need: God was there first, and He's still here now.
Whatever situation you're walking through today: whether it feels like a void, a mess, or complete emptiness: remember this: God exists before your problem. He's not scrambling to figure it out. He's the Architect who was already drawing plans before you knew you needed one.
Verse 2: When Everything Feels Formless
"Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters." : Genesis 1:2 (NIV)
Here's where it gets personal.
Formless. Empty. Dark.
Sound familiar?
Maybe that's your bank account right now. Maybe that's your marriage. Maybe that's your mental health, your career, or your sense of purpose. Life can feel chaotic: like nothing makes sense and you can't see two feet in front of you.
But look at the second half of that verse: "...and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters."
Even when everything was formless and void, God wasn't absent. He was hovering. Present. Attentive. Ready.
The Hebrew word for "hovering" here is rachaph: it's the same word used to describe a mother bird tenderly watching over her nest. God wasn't distant or disinterested. He was close, protective, and preparing to move.
Friend, if your life feels like a swirling mess of confusion today, take heart: the Spirit of God is hovering over your situation right now. He sees it. He's not panicking. And He's about to speak.
Verse 3: The Power of God's Voice
"And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light." : Genesis 1:3 (NIV)
This is the moment everything changed.
No committee meeting. No lengthy debate. No hesitation.
God spoke, and reality obeyed.
Think about that. The same God who commanded light into existence with His voice is the same God who hears your prayers today. His words carry creative, transformative, life-giving power.
When God speaks, things happen.
And here's the beautiful part for you and me: God still speaks. Through His Word. Through His Spirit. Through the community of believers. Through that still, small voice in your heart when you're desperate for direction.
Pastor Dr. Layne McDonald puts it this way: "God's voice hasn't lost its power. When He speaks 'light' over your darkness, the darkness has no choice but to flee."
Are you in a dark season? A confusing chapter? A place where you can't see the way forward?
Ask God to speak. Open His Word. Sit in His presence. Because when the Architect of Light opens His mouth, darkness doesn't stand a chance.
Verse 4: God Separates and Defines
"God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness." : Genesis 1:4 (NIV)
Notice what God does here: He doesn't just create light: He separates it from darkness. He brings order. He defines boundaries. He establishes clarity.
This is so important for us today.
God is not a God of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33). He brings definition to chaos. He draws lines where things were blurry. He helps us see what's good and what needs to go.
If you've been praying for clarity: about a relationship, a decision, a next step: trust that God is still in the business of separating light from darkness. He will show you what's good. He will illuminate the path. He will bring order to your chaos.
And notice: God saw that the light was good. He didn't rush past it. He paused. He observed His own work. He called it good.
You are made in the image of this same God. And when He looks at you: His creation: He calls you good, too.
Verse 5: God Names the Day
"God called the light 'day,' and the darkness he called 'night.' And there was evening, and there was morning: the first day." : Genesis 1:5 (NIV)
God doesn't just create: He names.
In biblical culture, naming something meant having authority over it. When God called the light "day" and the darkness "night," He was establishing His rule over both.
Here's the comfort in that: God has authority over your days and your nights. Your bright seasons and your dark ones. He is Lord over your mountaintops and your valleys.
Nothing is outside His jurisdiction.
And notice the rhythm: "there was evening, and there was morning: the first day." The Jewish day begins at evening, not morning. That means the day starts in darkness and moves toward light.
If you're in a dark evening season right now, morning is coming. Light is on the way. The sun is rising: even if you can't see it yet.
Your Biblical Life-Changing Affirmation
Speak this over yourself today:
"The God who spoke light into existence is speaking light into my life today. I am not forgotten. I am not alone. The Spirit of God hovers over my chaos, and He is bringing order, clarity, and hope. Morning is coming. I walk in the light of His love."
Write it down. Say it out loud. Let it sink deep into your spirit.
Let God Speak Light Into Your Life Today
Friend, Genesis 1:1-5 isn't just the opening chapter of an ancient book. It's a living, breathing invitation.
If life feels dark, formless, or confusing: you're in the perfect position for God to do what He does best: speak light.
You don't have to figure it all out alone. You don't have to navigate the darkness by yourself.
At Boundless Online Church, we're a global family of believers walking together through every season: the bright ones and the dark ones. Pastor Dr. Layne McDonald and our team are here for you 24/7 with live chat, video calls, prayer support, groups, podcasts, training, and so much more.
Whether you're unchurched, homebound, searching, or just need a place to belong: you're welcome here. Membership is always free. No spam, no pressure, no judgment. Just love.
Join the loving community at: www.boundlessonlinechurch.org
You are never forgotten. Never alone. Deeply loved by God.
Welcome home.
AI 24/7 Assistant: 1-901-668-5380 Boundless Phone: 1-901-213-7341 FA Memphis: 1-901-843-8600 lmcdonald@famemphis.net - www.boundlessonlinechurch.org
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