Love God Greatly: In the BeginningSample

On the third day of creation God gave shape to the earth. The earth had been only water, from what we can understand from Genesis 1:1. God first split the waters in two, creating the sky. God placed some water in the sky and some water on the earth.

On the third day God split the waters on the earth into seas, creating dry land. God gave boundaries to the water, instructing it on where it should go and where it was to be contained. God gave limits to the waves, creating dry land.

In biblical times, even into the first century, the sea was considered to be a place of darkness. They did not have the kind of equipment we have today, and crossing water was difficult, often deadly. There were even fish large enough to swallow a person whole (Jonah  1:17)! This gives us a greater understanding of the intense fear Jesus’ disciples felt when they faced storms on the Sea of Galilee. Seas were unknown, frightening places where many lost their lives. 

But God said the sea was good. God created the sea with a purpose, just like He created the sky and all its elements with a purpose, just like He created the dry land with vegetation and fruit for a purpose. 

It can be tempting to look at the “seas” in our own lives, the trials, temptations, hardship, and pain, with much fear. We don’t know how things will turn out. Much is out of our control and it can be easy to forget God’s care and provision for us when we are overwhelmed with fear. In the same way God created the seas with purpose, every circumstance in our life has great purpose. God has not abandoned us, and He is still in control. 

He set limits for the waves; He cares about the details of our lives.  

Prayer:

Father God, You are sovereign over all creation, even the limits of each and every wave. You created the sea with purpose, and You have a purpose for everything You allow in my life. Give me patience to wait on Your timing and Your plan when I am fearful and uncertain. I believe You are with me. Amen.