Encouragement for Today

January 2, 2025 It’s Time for a Fresh Start! RACHEL BOOTH SMITH Lee en español

“Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good!” Genesis 1:31a (NLT)

When my family joined a new church, I was eager to make friends. Even though I was in my 30s, I felt a childlike nervousness about entering an unfamiliar room, finding a seat and making introductions with strangers.

Unfortunately, a rash on my eye exacerbated my awkward feelings. Doctors hadn’t yet discovered it was ocular rosacea; they only knew it wasn’t contagious. With my one puffy, red and watering eye, I looked either very sad or very sickly.

As I arrived, I imagined the room emptying, people eager to protect their families from my mysterious ailment. I worried my first impression would be … not great.

We’ve all had different first impressions of God too. Some were warm and inviting; some were misinformed or even painful. Either way, as we grow and learn more about God’s character, we find ourselves adjusting and allowing God to introduce different aspects of Himself.

Genesis invites us to get to know God from the beginning: the beginning of the Bible and the beginning of the gospel. Genesis is His introduction to humanity. When we open the first page, laying aside all of our not-great past impressions or presets, what does God really want us to know?

“Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good!” (Genesis 1:31a).

In Genesis 1, we see God repeatedly make good things (including people!) because goodness flows from Him. It is the essence of who He is.

The very first thing God wants us to know about Him is that He’s good.

After introducing God as Creator, Genesis then confronts a question that still plagues people today: What will a good God do when His people choose evil?

As we read Genesis, we discover God is unendingly patient. He waits and restores. He teaches and works behind the scenes to bless. When people make plans for harm or evil, God turns them around for good (Genesis 50:20). Why? Because as all of creation testifies, He is good. One of my seminary professors says Genesis shows “God is just itchin’ to bless!”

All of His attributes are worth mentioning, but God wants us to know deep in our bones that He is good.

Maybe your first impression of God didn’t emphasize His goodness. Or maybe you’ve lost sight of who He is and what He cares about. Perhaps you’ve simply never learned to hear His voice, and you’re desperate for whispered words from His gentle heart.

If so, are you ready for a fresh start? I want to personally invite you to open the pages of Genesis and allow the God of all good things to reintroduce Himself to you.

At the beginning of the greatest story ever told, let God give you a new first impression of who He is. Watch Him interact with flawed people, turning things meant for evil into good — and see how He is still doing the same for you.

Are you ready to experience His goodness?

God, I praise You for Your goodness. Thank You that every good and perfect thing is from You (James 1:17). Help me to see You clearly. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

There are a lot of good things we could prioritize at the start of a new year … Join a new gym. Spend less time on our phones. Save more money. But ultimately, there’s only one thing that will help us make the changes we want to see: God’s Word. We want to help you put this into practice starting January 6 with our new study, Fresh Start: A Study of the Book of Genesis. Get your copy!

ENGAGE

For more from Rachel Booth Smith, you can visit her website or connect with her on Instagram and Facebook.

FOR DEEPER STUDY

Genesis 50:20a, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good” (NLT).

Psalm 34:8, “Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!” (NLT).

How have you tasted or personally experienced God’s goodness in your life?

Take some time today and reflect on God’s goodness. Identify situations that should have ended badly, but God blessed you instead. How does that encourage you to trust Him in future challenges?

We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share them with us in the comments!

© 2025 by Rachel Booth Smith. All rights reserved.