What is the beginning of God’s story? Sometimes we tell this story as though it begins with Adam and Eve and their fall, but that is not where the story begins. The story begins with God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who has always existed and will always exist.

God created the world, and when he did, he called it good. Before sin entered the picture, we have the story of a perfect and holy God who created a good and beautiful world and, using only words, filled it with creatures and creations to display his glory. Then God made people—to reflect his image and to care for and enjoy his world.

But most importantly, God made these people so that they could know and be known by him. These verses help us to remember that, at the very beginning of the story, God was there. In the very beginning, Jesus, the Word of God, was present. All things were created through him and for him. God designed this world to be a place where God and people dwelled together. When we look at creation, we can admire its beauty, we can be in awe of its splendor, we can appreciate the details and the creativity of the God who not only created this world, but who came to dwell among us so that we could enjoy fellowship with him.

Additional Scriptures:
Colossians 1:15-17
Romans 11:36

Wondering Questions:

The Doxology helps us pay attention to the world that God created and remember that the whole world belongs to God.

Take a moment just to sit quietly and think about the idea that everyone and everything on this earth belongs to God. What does that mean for you? Does it change how you think about who God is and who you are? What does it mean for the way you spend your time? How will you remind yourself that the world belongs to God?

I wonder what it was like when God was creating the world. What do you imagine when you think about God creating everything? What would you like to ask God about that?

I wonder how it feels to know that God made you so that he could know you and so that you could know him. I wonder how you get to know God.

I wonder what blessings God has given you. Can you list or draw some of them? How would you like to thank God?

I wonder how glorifying God and enjoying him might be related?

Additional Resources:

Three Year Worship Plan

Doxology | Hymn of the Week Post