“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
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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.
I read your blog on the Genesis beginning. I really want to believe this word for myself. I feel.a spark in my heart concerning this. please pray for me as I don’t often let prophetic words in. I really try to overthink everything. sincerely Timothy kerr
Dear Helen
Thank you for your encouraging prophetic teachings.
I am currently visiting my daughter in New Zealand. Marveling at God’s creation, I started my Bible reading at Genesis. In that moment I heard the Holy Spirit , “Nadia. I created the world in 6 days . Today the first day of the year can be your Genesis year. I can do this in 6 days, 6 weeks, 6 months or 6 years, it all depends on you and my presence in your life”
I was truly blessed by your revelation and confirmation of what the Father is doing in my life.
Amen! Thank you Helen, may God continue to use you for His own glory.
Thank you so much Helen.
This message resonates very well with my spiritual experience now.
May God perfect His new plans for our lives in Jesus name
Thanks so much ma.
I’ve just recently lost my dad. I was adopted at birth by two loving parents. They’ve both gone to be with the lord. I hear God speaking about each of the canvases to me. In the last two years since my daddy has Been struggling, I’ve also met my biological family and creating relationships with them. The unfinished canvas, The old canvas and now the new canvas… I want more than anything to follow the lords will For my life and fulfill His purpose for me in each phase of my life. A brand new canvas is foreign to me. A little scary if I’m being honest. Scary because I want it to be totally Him and not me. I have dreams in my heart that I submit to the lord for Him to bring about or to change and replace with His plans. Thank you for sharing this vision with us. It touched my heart so greatly.
I just want to say thank so much for availing yourself to be use by God. Every one of your post has been a blessing to me and always on time,I am truly grateful I pray the lord continue to preserve you and your husband