In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. But the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. (Genesis 1:1-2).

The Bible opens with a scene of unordered chaos.

The dark primordial land remains undifferentiated from the raging ocean, which violently foams and churns.

God brings order

The space and conditions necessary for life had not yet been established. The world existed in a fruitless, futile state of chaos. Yet, God’s creative energy hovered over the chaotic seas.

Into the hopeless darkness, God caused his light to shine. On subsequent days, God built order, form, and function into the primordial world.

A paradise formed

God transformed the untamed darkness into a fruitful paradise. Finally, on the seventh day, after taming the primordial chaos, God “rested” and took up residence in his new creation.

Chaos in human life

All too often, we become overwhelmed with the chaotic nature of our own lives. At times, we struggle to keep our heads above the waters, as the waves of life toss us to and fro.

Psalm 69:1-2 describes this very feeling: “the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in deep mire, where there is no foothold; I have come into deep waters, and the flood sweeps over me.”

Hope in the Spirit

In these moments, Genesis 1:1-2 offers hope. The Spirit of God hovers over our darkness, ready to bring order and life out of the violent chaos.

Times of disorder can feel overwhelming, yet the story of creation suggests that chaos is not permanent. From fruitless chaos, new forms of stability and meaning can take shape.

• Dr Simon Skidmore is a Brisbane-based biblical scholar and educator. He is the creator of The Mimetic Exegete podcast, which applies mimetic theory to biblical texts, offering unique insights and practical applications. His recent book, Capital Punishment in the Pentateuch, explores ritual killing through René Girard’s mimetic theory.