by Debbie Wicker BCCC
In my work as a Christian mental health counselor, I speak with many different people throughout the year. One thing I encounter again and again is this: most people have very little understanding of the main story of the Bible—the unified account that unfolds across both the Old and New Testaments.
As we begin 2026, I want to spend the next several posts walking through the key events of the Bible that bring us to where we are today. We begin where Scripture begins: creation.
Creation: The Starting Point
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
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.
And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.”
—Genesis 1:1–3
These opening verses of Genesis were written by Moses, likely in an early Hebrew dialect, more than 3,500 years ago. And yet, they have lost none of their beauty or power. They remain simple, profound, and deeply moving.
From the very first line, we learn something essential: God is the Creator, and creation itself is an intentional act of love.
God created the heavens and the earth—and He created the earth for us. The sky, the land, the oceans, the plants, and the animals were all formed with humanity in mind. That is why stepping outside, breathing fresh air, or walking through nature feels so restorative to the soul. We are experiencing something that was lovingly made for us.
When we read and contemplate the first chapter of the Bible, it brings a sense of calm. God made a perfect world and entrusted it to humanity. At times, we are tempted to argue, analyze, or dispute—but Genesis invites us first to receive, to marvel, and to appreciate the majesty of what God has done.
Then God Created Us
Creation reaches its climax when God creates humanity.
We are made in His image—unlike anything else on earth. No other part of creation bears this distinction. The human brain is the most complex organism known, and each person is completely unique. No two humans are exactly alike. No two minds are the same.
This uniqueness is not accidental. It is intentional. It is personal.
God did all of this in love, and His love is evident everywhere we look—if we are willing to pause and see it. For just a moment, allow yourself to contemplate this reality without questions, arguments, or resistance. Read the first chapter of Genesis in any translation, in any language, and simply enjoy the serenity and beauty of what it reveals.
Creation Is a Gift from God
“Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness…’
So God created mankind in his own image…
male and female he created them.”
—Genesis 1:26–27
God created us because He loves us.
He understands us.
He knows us.
And because He created us, He always desires what is best for us. This is the very core of God’s nature. When we truly grasp this, we can begin to wrap ourselves in the reality of His love and care.
Genesis tells us that God looked upon everything He had made—and declared it “very good.” Creation was not an accident. Humanity was not an afterthought. We are here because God willed us to be here.
Every Understanding of God Begins Here
Any true understanding of God must begin with Genesis chapter 1.
If we are willing to open our hearts and read this chapter with humility, we begin to see the enormity of who God is—and the depth of His love for humanity. As we move forward through the rest of the Bible and reflect on the events that follow, we must always hold them in the context of creation.
Genesis 1 is beautiful.
It is simple.
And yet, it is astonishingly profound.
About the Author
Debbie Wicker is a Board Certified Christian Counselor who brings a thoughtful mental health perspective to the study of the Bible. With more than 15 years of counseling experience, Debbie helps individuals understand Scripture not only spiritually, but emotionally and psychologically as well.
Before entering counseling, Debbie was a partner in a Big 8 public accounting firm, where she built a successful career in management consulting. After a mid-life career change, she felt called to integrate faith and mental health — equipping others to grow spiritually while addressing real-life struggles with wisdom and compassion.
Through the-Bible.net, Debbie writes to help readers better understand God’s Word, human nature, and the transforming power of Christ.