Hovering with Potential

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. Genesis 1:2 (NIVUK)

Reflection

The specifics of our work will vary between us. But potentially stressful situations are common to us all. These might include staring at the winking cursor on a Word document, your brain feeling as blank as your screen. Or someone fails to deliver on a project you are managing, landing you in a rush to meet deadlines. Or a string of redundancies is announced, and now it feels like all the light and oxygen have been sucked from the room.

If you are ever in such a spot – a spot you might describe as ‘uninspired’, or ‘chaotic’, or ‘dark’ – the truth of Genesis 1:2 might be just the ticket.

Way, way back, before time existed – before chaos became ordered, before nothingness became somethingness, before the first burst of light illuminated our universe – the Spirit was there, hovering over the abyss. Things looked bleak, unpromising. But the creative Spirit of God was brooding, about to bring into existence something brilliant.

I love that about the Holy Spirit. In every situation, including in our work, the Spirit is present and powerful, ready to inject life, order, creativity, beauty, and joy.

This truth is not derived merely from the first page of the Bible. Nor does the Spirit just do stuff ‘in church’. The Spirit was at work in Bezalel the craftsman as he skilfully fashioned stone and metal; in Miriam the prophet as she danced and sang; in Deborah the judge as she galvanised hearts; and in Jesus the Saviour as he embarked upon his liberating mission.

So whatever you are working on this week - designing ads or road layouts, fixing water leaks or data leaks, advising customers or governments - know that the creative power of the Holy Spirit is at work in you.

Response

As you think about the year ahead, is there an area of your work in which you would love to see the creative power of God’s Spirit at work?

What could help remind you of the Spirit’s presence with you while you work?

Prayer

Loving Father, thank you that you give the Holy Spirit to ordinary people like us. In all the work we do this year, may your Spirit inspire and strengthen us, so that our work might be your work – for the blessing of the world, and the glory of your name. Amen.

This Week's Author

Joe Warton, Freelance researcher, writer, and coach

Read next

God on Monday is produced in partnership with the Church of England. The reflections are based on the scriptural readings designated for the next Sunday in the Church's lectionary. You can sign up to Faith in Business here to receive each God on Monday instalment.

Feel free to share these reflections with your contacts via email and social media.

Hello and welcome to Faith in Business. We hope you enjoy getting to know us!
Click here to see more.

Get Involved

Get involved with Faith in Business

Stimulating and resourcing the business world for over 30 years

Faith in Business’ vision is of business as a force for good, transforming society in a way that expresses the kingdom of God. We encourage and equip Christian business people to be faithful followers of Jesus Christ in a demanding workplace context. With an eye on the future, we are especially committed to serving young business leaders.

Faith in Business is active on many fronts. We run an annual retreat, co-publish a quarterly journal, host a monthly webinar, provide topical weekly reflections and facilitate a business prayer network. As a volunteer-led organisation, we'd love you to get involved with us and there are a number of ways you can do this: