“God, make a fresh start on me, shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life.” (Psalm 51:10 MSG)
A few days ago, while discussing someone’s new venture, I said, “It’s a Genesis month!”
After the call, Malcolm and I reflected on the phrase, along with its meaning: “This is a season of new beginnings!”
It seemed to echo in the atmosphere, and the word ministered to us personally.
Then I said, “That was the Holy Spirit.”
God’s Grace in a Genesis Season
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.” (Genesis 1:1-2 NLT)
A Genesis season is a time of new beginnings, and it is marked by grace.
If that resonates with you in some way, be encouraged by these thoughts:
- Darkness speaks of mystery—you cannot see the path ahead. But God, whose very presence is light, is going with you. And He will light the way. This is your season of discovery and new beginnings.
- Emptiness speaks of a space ready to receive new things. If you feel empty or have recently had a chapter close, it is a sign that you have room to receive.
- Formless, or shapeless reminds us of the potter and the clay (Isaiah 64:8). As you surrender to God’s hands, he will bring shape to your life and work. He is going about his good work! He is forming a vessel for his glory.
In a Genesis Season, there is a “God Factor”
At a time of year when many people are talking about goals, let’s remember the “God factor”.
The Bible says: “You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.” (Proverbs 19:21, NLT)
The Bible gives us a key to planning, which is firstly to delight in Him! (Psalm 37:4)
And from that place of fellowship, to recognize what He is doing.
- To see what His favor is on and participate with Him in that.
Look to Where the Spirit is Moving
So if the yearly chatter about goal-setting programs makes you feel uncomfortable
* It does not mean that God does not have plans or projects for you.
Perhaps, that discomfort is an invitation from the Lord.
He is beckoning you to watch and see where the Holy Spirit is moving uniquely for you.
“And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.” (Genesis 1:2 NLT)
Vision of an Artist’s Studio
On Sunday as we worshiped, I was holding this word about new beginnings before the Lord.
Suddenly, I saw an artist’s studio in my mind’s eye.
The studio was lit with a low, golden light, and it looked as though it had been in use for many years.
Two easels were sitting in the room, and both were covered.
Then, I saw the Lord’s hands, lifting the cover off the easel to the left. He revealed a canvas that was brand-new and had never been used!
Next, He lifted the cover off the easel on the right. This was a painting that seemed to have been left for a very long time.
Seeing in a New Light
The second painting appeared to be complete, and yet something was missing.
It was as though the painter—being dissatisfied with it—had left it for a later day.
Suddenly, a light shone on the unfinished painting, on a particular spot.
The light seemed to come from a high window, which was suddenly uncovered.
Now the painting could be seen in a new light.
It became clear how to go about finishing it.
The Master Artist
Then, I saw Jesus coming through a door on the right. He was holding a third painting in his hands.
This was a very old painting from a previous generation.
It was evident that He had freshly restored the work and given it new life.
Once, it had been faded and jaded—but now, bright colors were seen, along with previously unseen details.
The Parable of the Paintings
The paintings are a parable, a picture, and a story.
God is unveiling new opportunities, represented by the blank canvas.
The light on the second canvas speaks of the Holy Spirit shedding new light on old dreams, with an “aha” moment! This includes projects and plans that we had laid aside.
Now is the time to reflect that perhaps God’s presence is on them for the current season.
The Third Painting
The third painting being restored speaks of stories from past generations.
God is healing aspects of our family identity.
He reminds us once again, “I am removing shame from the generations; I am changing the story you tell from now on .”
God is With You in a Genesis Season
The Scripture in Psalm 51 that I began with, reminds us that during a season of new beginnings, God is working on our hearts.
For David wrote it out of deep sorrow and repentance.
The Lord wants to remind us of the nearness of His presence.
- As the Master Artist, His hands are on the brush that paints the canvas.
- The Potter’s hands surround the clay, as He shapes it for His purpose.
- As the Gardener, His hands are close, as He prunes the vine (John 15).
And His Holy Spirit hovers, calling you forth to life.
Now He invites you to share the moment of creation—to declare “Let there be!”
And to participate with Him in your Genesis season.
Notes
[1] Genesis, the name of the first book of the Bible means “origins” and the first verse (Gen 1:1) exemplifies a new beginning.
Related Posts:
God Says, “I am Changing Your Story and Revealing My Glory”
Creativity: God is Awakening Creative Gifts and Ideas
A New Year’s Opportunity to Join the Prophetic School
The best mentoring and teaching I can give you is now rolled into this one place, at the Enliven Prophetic School.
Classes include: How to Hear God’s Voice, How to Begin and Grow in Prophecy, The Character of the Prophet, The Seer Gift: How to Grow in Pictures and Visions, Prophetic Discernment, Discernment, and Prophetic Warnings, and the Prophetic Guidance Master Class.
You can view and sign up for my self-paced video lecture series in the Enliven Prophetic School here. Choose between a small monthly subscription or a one-off payment (discounted this month) with no expiry date.
Alternatively, you can view all online courses, including the Prophetic Worship + Creative course here.
Leave a Comment
Has this insight about a Genesis season impacted you? Which of the paintings can you relate to? I’d love to hear your thoughts—so, leave your insight or prayer request in the comments box below.
How you can contribute to the ministry of Enliven Blog
Partner donation page for donation options and ministry information
PayPal.Me/EnlivenBlog for a simple way to give
© 2023 Helen Calder, Enliven Blog
Enliven Ministries: Prophetic ministry for a revival generation
Helen Calder is a prophetic minister and writer, and founder of Enliven Ministries. Helen has a unique gift of equipping in prophetic ministry and prayer. She is known for Enliven Blog (est. 2009), an online resource that reaches thousands of people globally.
Thank you Helen,
This message truly resonate with me. I feel the Holy Spirit wanted to encourage me and gave you these words.
I see The Lord confirming His promises to me throughout the message.
I am encouraged, thank you.
Deborah
thank you Deborah,
I’m grateful for that
(there was a glitch in the email out of our control which is frustrating!)
Hi Andrea
Click on the comment in the email.
Thanks Deborah
Hi Andrea, I’m sorry about that – there was a problem in the email but you can scroll up to see the post
May the Lord refresh me for this year 2024 to do his work and be a follow ship of him in full.
amen to that Jeanetta
Wow! Thank you sister and thank you Father for this beautiful and timely word. I have commented on many of your last post about my difficult season and lately have had many encouraging night dreams. I feel I should share this one I just had Last night as it resonates with the word you shared with us. I lost my significant other when I was 20 years old in a very tragic way, God has often used his face to speak in different ways in different meanings. Sometimes when I have a spiritual dream I don’t know the meaning for a while, I am learning that sometimes they are for a season in the distance, and some are more recent. Last night I dreamed that I was planning a funeral for my long deceased significant other, yet discovered that he was still alive. My husband appeared out of nowhere to say that he was the one present but I knew it wasn’t so (don’t understand this part). Then after walking outside I saw him, the one who supposedly passed years ago, but his appearance was very unusual, he had a blue Mohawk, facial hair, dressed in rags, but I recognized his face and his favorite camo shorts. He then took me to where he had been living so we could talk, he had a tent in the library I frequented, set up like a home, right in the middle. I marveled that I had been there so many times yet never saw him. I went inside and we talked but he was very difficult to talk to, I told him I didn’t understand him and he told me that no one does. Then flash forward to the place where we were having the funeral or memorial service, I was told by friends that I should continue with the service since it was planned and everyone was coming, and he could come and announce that he was alive. I was then told that this was my story to tell. There are some more details that seem insignificant now, although nothing is and I’m sure with time they will be made known..
As I sat in silence with the Lord this morning, His peace, love and grace filled me and I felt some of the interpretation was that He was bringing life into dead places, that it would not look like what I was expecting but that I would love it all the same. That it is something right before me that I have not been able to perceive.
Then I read your email and it was so perfectly on time
I love that you can hear from the Lord such a succinct, grace-filled interpretation of the dream, Brooke.
O yes LORD. Thank you precious HOLY SPIRIT. Thank you THEE Prophetess of GOD. It is DONE. In the NAME of GOD the FATHER, GOD the SON and GOD the HOLY SPIRIT AMEN
I have started Mama from the 1 January 2024. MAKABONGWE UNKULUNKULU NGIYABONGA
Amen, Delisile
your message speaks to me that God is bringing me into a new season. I feel it may be difficult but God will get me on track .thank you for your message of hope