Dandelion Bible in a Year | Seekers & New Believers Reading Plan

Does God Exist? Why Did God Call His Creation Very Good? | Bible Reading Plan for Seekers | January 9

Today's Bible Reading: Genesis 1:31; 2:1–3

Today's Topic: God Saw Everything He Had Made, and It Was Very Good

Does God exist? Why did God say His creation was very good? Explore Genesis 1:31 and 2:1–3, where God declares His completed creation very good and rests on the seventh day. Discover what the Bible teaches about the goodness of creation, the value of human life, and the meaning of rest. Day 9 of our 365-Day Bible Reading Plan for Seekers includes Bible background, Scripture explanation, personal reflection, thoughtful questions, and a simple prayer for anyone exploring Christianity.

🌱 A Warm Welcome

Welcome to our 365-Day Journey to Discover God!

Have you ever wondered what it really means for something to be good?

We use the word "good" in so many ways: a good meal, a good job, a good relationship, or simply a good day. But if someone asked you, "Do you think the world is good?" you might find that question much harder to answer.

There are certainly beautiful things in this world: sunshine, flowers, friendship, family, and moments that touch our hearts. But we also see illness, disasters, conflict, injustice, and suffering.

So was the world always like this?

Today, we'll read an important statement from the Bible's creation story:

"And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good."

These words do more than describe a beautiful world. They invite us to consider what the Bible says about God's original creation and what life was meant to be like.

📖 Bible Background | Creation and Rest in Genesis

Genesis is the first book of the Bible. Its opening chapters introduce the creation of the heavens and the earth, living things, and humanity.

In Genesis 1, creation is described across six days. Light is separated from darkness. The sky, dry land, and seas appear. Plants grow, the sun, moon, and stars are described, and living creatures fill the waters, skies, and land. Finally, God creates humanity in His own image, male and female.

Throughout the account, we repeatedly read that God saw what He had made and that it was good.

But at the end of Genesis 1, the description becomes even stronger:

"And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good."

Then Genesis 2:1–3 tells us that the heavens and the earth were finished. God rested on the seventh day from all His work of creation and blessed that day, setting it apart.

This doesn't mean that God was exhausted and needed to recover. The emphasis is that His work of creation was complete.

Today's passage brings together two important ideas: the goodness of God's completed creation and the rest that follows.

🌿 A Look Back | From "In the Beginning" to "Very Good"

On the first day of our journey, we read Genesis 1:1, where the Bible begins with the declaration that God created the heaven and the earth.

On Day 2, Psalm 19 invited us to look at the sky and consider the words, "The heavens declare the glory of God," as David reflected on the wonders of creation.

These passages help us explore a central question from different angles: Where did the world come from? And if there is a Creator, what is His relationship with the world?

Today, we reach the conclusion of the creation account in Genesis 1.

The Bible doesn't simply tell us that God created everything. It also tells us how He viewed what He had made: it was very good.

That leads us to another question: Why does the Bible describe creation as good, and what might that mean for our own lives?

🔎 Today's Introduction | What If the World Was Originally Good?

Imagine a world without illness, war, dishonesty, or people hurting one another.

A world where life isn't overshadowed by fear, where people don't fight because of greed or selfishness, and where the suffering we know today is absent.

Such a world might sound like a distant ideal.

Yet when the Bible describes God's completed creation, it doesn't begin with a world defined by conflict and destruction. Instead, it tells us that God saw everything He had made, and it was very good.

Of course, this passage doesn't yet explain why suffering and evil are part of our world today. The Bible will explore that question in the chapters ahead.

For now, we're invited to consider the starting point of the story.

If the world was originally created good, perhaps goodness isn't simply an ideal that people have imagined. Perhaps, according to the Bible, it is connected to the intention of the Creator.

🎯 Today's Reflection Focus | Discovering the Goodness of God's Original Creation

1. God Saw Everything He Had Made, and It Was Very Good

Genesis 1:31 says:

"And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good."

Notice that the verse says "every thing that he had made," not just one part of creation.

Earlier in Genesis 1, God repeatedly sees that what He has made is good. When the whole work is complete, the Bible describes it as "very good."

In the biblical account, the world isn't something God created carelessly or without concern. He looks upon His completed creation and declares it good.

For someone exploring faith, this raises a question worth considering: If the world was originally God's good creation, how might that change the way we think about nature, life, and the people who share this world with us?

2. Humanity Is Part of God's Good Creation — Every Life Has Value

Genesis 1 tells us that God created not only the heavens, plants, and animals, but also human beings in His own image.

When God declares everything He has made very good, humanity is included.

This introduces an important idea: According to the Bible, a person's value isn't determined only by wealth, abilities, appearance, social status, or achievements.

A newborn baby hasn't accomplished anything yet. An elderly person may no longer be able to work as they once did. But if human life comes from a Creator, its value cannot be measured only by productivity.

You may not yet fully understand what it means to be made in God's image. That's something we'll continue exploring.

For today, we can begin with this thought:

From its opening chapters, the Bible presents human life as having a special dignity and value.

3. God Rested on the Seventh Day — Life Is More Than Endless Work

Genesis 2:2 tells us that God rested on the seventh day from all His work.

You might wonder: If God is all-powerful, why would He need to rest?

The point isn't that God was tired. Rather, His work of creation was complete. The next verse says that God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, setting it apart.

Later in the Bible, the Sabbath becomes an important part of Israel's life, reminding the people to stop their ordinary work and remember God.

For us today, this passage can also prompt some practical reflection.

We often feel that our lives are valuable only when we're working hard, accomplishing something, or moving toward another goal. Even when we're exhausted, we may worry that we haven't done enough.

But the Bible's creation story doesn't end with endless activity. It ends with completed work and rest.

Perhaps life isn't meant to be measured only by how much we produce or achieve.

There may also be value in slowing down, appreciating what we have, being thankful, and simply enjoying the gift of life.

📖 Today's Bible Reading | Genesis 1:31; 2:1–3

Genesis 1:31 (King James Version)

31 And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.

Genesis 2:1–3 (King James Version)

1 Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.

2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.

3 And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.

✨ Today's Key Verse

"And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good." — Genesis 1:31 (KJV)

This verse introduces an important starting point in the Bible's story. It doesn't describe a world originally defined by suffering and destruction, but a world created by God and declared very good.

We may not yet understand why our world today seems so different from that beginning. But this verse invites us to consider the goodness of creation and the character of the God whom the Bible calls its Creator.

💭 Life Reflection | Can I Still See the Goodness in Life?

Sometimes, the difficulties of everyday life make it hard to notice the good things that still surround us.

When work isn't going well, relationships become strained, or disappointments keep piling up, it's easy to focus only on what's wrong.

And sometimes, we begin to look at ourselves in the same way.

One failure makes us feel incapable. Someone else's criticism causes us to question our worth. Falling short of a goal leaves us feeling that we're simply not good enough.

But today's passage offers a different perspective.

The Bible says that God saw everything He had made, and it was very good.

That doesn't mean our world today has no problems, or that everything people do is good. It means that, in the Bible's story, creation began with goodness.

And each of us is a human life within that created world.

If our worth isn't determined only by our achievements, perhaps we can begin learning not to judge ourselves solely by our performance.

In the same way, when we look at the people around us, regardless of their age, abilities, background, or circumstances, we can choose to treat them with greater dignity and care.

Today's passage also introduces rest.

Perhaps it's been a long time since you truly slowed down—enjoyed a meal without rushing, watched a sunset, or sat quietly without thinking about the next task you needed to finish.

If this world was originally created good, shouldn't we also learn to appreciate life instead of constantly racing through it?

✍️ Questions & Small Action | Rediscover the Good Things in Life

Questions to Think About

How do you feel when you read that God saw everything He had made and called it very good? How does that compare with the world you see today?
Have you ever questioned your worth because of your work, grades, appearance, or someone else's opinion? How might your perspective change if every human life has value beyond achievement?
When was the last time you truly stepped away from work and your phone to enjoy a quiet moment? Why is it sometimes so difficult to slow down?

Today's Small Action

Set aside ten uninterrupted minutes for yourself today.

You don't need to work, finish a task, or accomplish anything.

You might sit by a window with a cup of tea, look at the sky, listen to birds outside, or spend a quiet moment with someone you love.

During those ten minutes, try to notice three small things in life that you're thankful for.

Then ask yourself:

"Beyond working hard and getting things done, am I also making time to appreciate the good things already in my life?"

🙏 Closing Prayer | Learning to Appreciate the Goodness of Your Creation

Today, we read that God saw everything He had made and called it very good. We also read that He rested on the seventh day. If you'd like, you can use this prayer to express gratitude for the gift of life, while also being honest about the questions you still have.

Let's pray together:

God, Creator of heaven and earth, thank You for giving me the opportunity to read Genesis 1:31 and 2:1–3 today. The Bible says that You saw everything You had made and called it very good. When I think about the sunlight, the sky, the earth, and the many wonderful forms of life around me, I want to be thankful for these good things. I'm still exploring whether You truly exist, but I'm willing to think seriously about what the Bible says and gradually learn more about the world it describes as Your creation.

When I see suffering, illness, and injustice in the world today, I also feel confused. If everything You originally created was good, why is there so much pain and sadness now? I know I don't have all the answers yet. Please help me continue exploring, even when there are things I don't understand. And as I learn to appreciate the beauty of this world, help me not to overlook those who are going through difficult times.

Today's passage also reminds me of the importance of rest. My life is often busy, and sometimes I feel disappointed in myself when I haven't accomplished enough. Please help me learn to slow down, appreciate the simple and beautiful things in life, and treat myself and the people around me with greater respect and care. As I continue this journey through the Bible, please guide me one step at a time so I can better understand Your purpose for the world and for human life.

In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

🌱 Tomorrow, We'll Keep Exploring

Today, we read that God saw everything He had made and called it very good. We also explored the meaning of rest on the seventh day.

But this leaves us with an important question:

If God's original creation was very good, why is our world today filled with suffering, conflict, and imperfection?

As we continue our journey, we'll explore what the Bible says about the world God created and the relationship between humanity and its Creator.

May we continue asking thoughtful questions, appreciating the goodness around us, and facing life's difficult realities with an open mind.

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