Daily Devotional | Back to the Basics

Today marks the beginning of a new year. It is an appropriate time to reflect on the things that are the most important to us. It is especially fitting to begin this year with a reminder of some of the most important biblical truths. Today’s reading in Genesis 1 presents us with two of the most fundamental truths about our relationship with God.

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Gen. 1:1). This truth is like the keystone of an arch. If it is removed, the whole edifice will crumble. The basic relationship between God and everything else in existence is this: God is the Creator and everything else is created. This view is quite different from creation stories told in the ancient world. In those texts, the gods produced the world out of conflict and strife with one another. There is no conflict in Genesis 1. God spoke and things came into existence. God’s existence did not depend upon anything. He alone is the self-existent One. The universe we live in is not the result of random impersonal processes and forces, but the carefully crafted product of a personal God. This means there is a purpose and meaning in our existence.

Second, we learn that our very existence is the gracious gift of God. We cannot bargain or strike a deal with God because everything we have comes from Him. We are valuable not because of what we produce or not because of what we can give to God. The most we can do is simply rearrange and reorganize what God already created. Our basic posture toward God should be one of gratitude and wonder: “How many are your works, LORD! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures” (Ps. 104:24).

Go Deeper

How do the two truths mentioned in today’s devotional shape our understanding of God? Of ourselves? As we begin the year, let Today in the Word help you make Bible reading a lifelong habit! Download the FREE app for daily reminders and more.

Pray with Us

Father, today we praise You as the Creator of heaven and earth and all living things. As Your creations, we want our lives to be pleasing to You and to bring glory and honor to Your name.

BY Ryan Cook

Dr. Ryan Cook has taught at Moody Bible Institute since 2012. He earned his bachelor of arts in Bible and Theology from Moody and his master of arts in Old Testament from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. He has worked in Christian education and served as a pastor in Michigan for seven years. During his time as a professor at Moody, he earned his doctorate from Asbury Theological Seminary. He now lives with his wife, Ashley, and their three children in the Chicagoland area.