Day 2

31 Jan Day 2

Elohim-Creator

WRITTEN BY: Talia Woodard

Scripture: Genesis 1:1 NLT– “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”

Read Genesis 1 for the full account of creation.

Observation: Have you ever been so awestruck with God’s creation? In this verse, the Hebrew word for God is Elohim, which means Creator. God created the vast universe of galaxies, solar systems and the big beautiful earth we live in. He was there in the beginning before this world as we know it began, as the chief architect, artist, scientist and engineer of the heavens and the earth.

Application: On a recent vacation, I found myself in absolute amazement of Elohim, our Creator. We were on a small boat in the middle of the ocean headed to a secluded black sand beach.  Surrounded by majestic mountains, azure blue skies, and the dazzling colors reflected in the depths of the seas, I realized how small I am in comparison to our Elohim. I was reminded of what a masterful Creator he is; no one compares to him. That reminds me—it’s time to schedule another vacation!  I appreciate every opportunity to marvel at God’s creation when traveling, but we can do it every day, no matter where we are.

What is even more profound is that Elohim loves us and wants to be in a relationship with us every single day. I am so grateful that the same God who reigns “supreme over all creation” (Colossians 1:15-18) made a way through Jesus for us to know him.  Not only can we enjoy his creation, but we can know Elohim, the Creator.

Despite being able to see and experience the glory of God displayed in creation, we are also aware of the brokenness of our world—sickness, pain, suffering (Romans 8:18-25) —and the propensity of mankind to mess things up when we don’t submit to the Creator in the beginning – at the start.  

Then how do we live? We can’t fix it all, but we know the God who can. We can Pray First. When we pray, we allow God, Elohim, to speak to us to bring order to our chaos like he did as Creator in Genesis Chapter 1.

In verse 2, we read, “The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters.”  By verse 31, “….God looked over all he had made, and he saw it was very good!”  

For believers in Jesus, this earthly world is not our eternal home. We live with anticipation of heaven one day and the return of Christ for his church. Let’s be like our Creator and live lives that create opportunities for more people to know God.  When we pray first, God can inspire us to create and bring more order to the world we live in.

Prayer: Father, I worship you as Elohim, Creator of all things, and thank you for reminding me who you are when I observe your beautiful creation.  More than I value the spectacular views and amazing things in nature that you have created for me to enjoy, I am grateful for you, the one who created it all.  I pray that you would use me to create unique opportunities for others to know you and experience heaven on earth until you come again.

Talia Woodard/Devotional J-Teamer

Talia is married to Emory Woodard, with whom she serves in Journey Kids. They have two beautiful children. She recently graduated from Journey Leadership Institute. Talia is a vocalist on the worship team and also serves as an editor for devotionals on the Communications Team.

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Next Steps:

Practice a “slot and spot with God” – a time and a place each day to seek him.

If you are already on your journey with God, Jesus said to pray this way: “May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:10 NLT

Watch this video by Bible Project to explore this passage of scripture further. 

Read tomorrow’s devotional to dive deeper into the names of God.