The Spirit of God Moved upon the Face of the Waters

And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. (Genesis 1:2 KJV)

The opening verses of Genesis reveal a profound pattern for transforming darkness and chaos into beauty and order. In Genesis 1:1-3, this process unfolds sequentially: The Spirit moved, God spoke, and transformation occurred. This pattern offers a blueprint for addressing life’s challenges and upheavals.

In Genesis 1:2, the earth was formless, empty, and shrouded in darkness—lacking beauty and structure. Before God’s command in verse 3, the Spirit initiated the change in verse 2. From Genesis through Revelation, this pattern persists: God’s Spirit operates through His Word, and His Spirit enlivens His Word. Without the Spirit, the words of the Bible, including sermons and actions based on it, lack life and power.

What does this ‘movement’ of the Spirit entail? The Hebrew term for “moved” in this context suggests a hovering, nurturing, protective action, akin to an eagle tenderly caring for its young (as seen in Deuteronomy 32:11). In Genesis 1:2, it depicts the Spirit of God dynamically engaging with the formless earth.

This divine movement isn’t limited to inanimate creation. Throughout Scripture, we see the Spirit moving upon people and situations, transforming chaos into divine order. How do we invite the Spirit’s movement in our lives? Here are at least three major requirements or steps to cause the Spirit to hover over our circumstances: being full of the Spirit, faith( Zech 4:6-7, Mark 11:23), and engaging in prayer.

Attempting to apply God’s Word without the moving of the Spirit risks disappointment and frustration. The Spirit’s role is crucial in the transformation process.

Meditate

Consider Peter’s boldness in Acts 4:8. How does his Spirit-led response exemplify the transformative power of the Spirit as seen in Genesis 1:2?

Apply The Word

Being full of the Spirit and Spirit-led is crucial to seeing results in the Word. More than just theological accuracy or a deep intellectual understanding of the Bible is required to experience supernatural outcomes. So be a man or woman of the Spirit, and let Him hover over the circumstances of your life and bring God’s Word to life.