Order Out of Chaos

Anxiety is a raging storm within — an inner chaos, restlessness, and unease that refuses to be
quieted. In a world that feels increasingly empty and disordered, many of us are wandering in
darkness searching for peace, stability, and order amidst the chaos. What if the very first pages of
Scripture held eternal truths for our anxious hearts?
The opening chapters of the Book of Genesis are more than the Biblical account of creation; they
are our first glimpse into the mind and heart of the eternal God who designed, formed, and ordered
it all. Genesis forms and shapes the foundation of our knowledge of God’s character and His way of
working in and through His creation. When we read, “In the beginning, God created…” (Gen 1:1)
we’re introduced to a God who brings light into darkness, form to formlessness, and design to
disarray. Over and over, He speaks order, beauty, and purpose into everything He has created.
This series will explore the first four chapters of Genesis and ponder what they reveal about God,
about mankind, and about the sources of and solutions for our anxieties. We’ll reflect on God’s
ordering power, not just in the universe, but in the deepest depths of our minds and hearts.
Through creation, calling, brokenness, and grace, we’ll learn to trust and lean on a God who still
brings order out of chaos and who invites us to do the same, even in the face of uncertainty,
turmoil, and fear.

Chapter 1: In the Beginning

There are few passages of Scripture that are more well known than Genesis 1:1 - “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” With these ten simple words, humanity’s understanding of creation and their place in it was radically transformed. In an age in which people viewed themselves as lowly subjects to the whims of a pantheon of amoral, capricious gods, this simple statement introduced a radically diff erent vision: Behind all things is a single, sovereign God — intentional, powerful, and incomprehensibly good. Genesis tells us that creation is not an accident, but an expression of the divine will and purpose of an infinitely complex Creator.
The first chapter of Genesis has anchored countless generations in the truth that God exists above and outside of this material universe, yet stretches out His all-powerful hand to lovingly form and order it. Verses 2-3 tell us, “ 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.And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” This passage brings profound peace to an anxious mind. It reminds us that, from the beginning, God has commanded chaos into order with His Word. His Word brings shape to the shapeless, creates fullness from emptiness, and calls forth light in the midst of darkness. The Gospel of John says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (1:1-5) John tells us that the Word, Jesus Christ, was not only present at creation, but was the very means through which creation came into being.

God’s Word is just as powerful today, and remains the ultimate source of order and peace. Just as His Holy Spirit hovered over the tumultuous waters of the pre-formed creation, so His Spirit still shelters us today. The Spirit has full power and authority to cover our hearts with peace and to transform the sea of fear and uncertainty that batters our anxious minds. (John 14:26-27) The one who began it all still holds it all together. The same Word who ordered disorder at the dawn of time is the one with the power to bring order to our lives today. The voice that spoke creation into being is the same voice that speaks peace into our inner chaos. Though the storm may be raging, and the darkness overwhelming, it has not, and cannot, overcome the light. When we feel tossed around by waves of anxiety, Jesus is the lighthouse guiding us to shore. Jesus doesn’t just bring light, He is light. And, as John assures us, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5)

Reflection and Application
● Invite God’s voice to speak into your chaos. Make a list of things that are causing disorder in your life and have an honest conversation with God about everything on your list.
● Commit to spending time each day this month connecting with God through His Word. Commit to memorizing one verse that speaks peace into your heart and repeat it to yourself whenever you feel anxious.