Genesis 1:23 Daily Devotional & Meaning – Childlike Wonder and the Completion of the Fifth Day

Daily Verses Everyday! Day 6

“And the evening and the morning were the fifth day.”

And we are back to another verse that is the culmination of another day. Let’s reflect once again. On day one, God brought forth light, separating it from darkness. On day two, He established the heavens, making space for what was to come. On day three, the Earth was prepared with land, sea, and vegetation. On day four, the sun, moon, and stars were set in their place to govern day and night. And now, on day five, God fills the waters and the skies with life. Notice the order: first God forms, then He fills. Each day builds upon the last, showing us that creation is not random but purposeful.

We hear the story of creation and have several thoughts, but Jesus told us to be like kids in Matthew 18:3, “And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” So, if you told a child this story for the first time, how would they react? They would likely react with wonder and delight.

Now, let’s see this creation through the eyes of a child, who doesn’t complicate but simply delights in wonder. Imagine walking through creation day by day with that lens. On day one, a child would smile at the sudden burst of light, relieved that the darkness no longer surrounds them. On day two, they would stretch their arms to the sky and laugh at the thought of clouds and rain floating above. On day three, they’d squeal with joy at grass to run in, seas to splash in, and fruit to eat. On day four, the sun would warm their face, the moon would be their night-light, and the stars would be twinkling sparkles just for them. On day five, fish would make them giggle and birds would make them wish they could fly.

Through a child’s eyes, creation isn’t abstract or complicated; instead, it’s a story of wonder, safety, joy, and belonging. This sense of childlike wonder in creation offers a profound insight into discipleship and the nature of faith. Jesus consistently calls His followers to embrace a childlike disposition, not in the sense of immaturity but in the qualities of trust, openness, humility, and delight. Just as a child approaches the world without pretense or cynicism, a disciple is invited to approach God and His Word with trust, awe, and receptivity.

The story of creation, when seen through the eyes of a child, reminds us that faith is not primarily about fully understanding every detail, mastering every law, or explaining every phenomenon. It is about marveling at the Creator, delighting in His goodness, and trusting that His design is perfect, even when we do not grasp the full scope of it. Childlike wonder fosters a heart that can receive God’s teachings. When we marvel at the fish swimming in the seas or the birds soaring in the skies, we acknowledge that life itself is a gift beyond our control or comprehension.

In the same way, discipleship requires recognizing that God’s ways and purposes are higher than our own. A child does not doubt the warmth of the sun or the coolness of water; they simply enjoy it and rely on it. Spiritually, we are called to a similar posture: to trust God’s provision, His timing, and His guidance, even when the full picture is hidden from us. This is the essence of childlike faith, resting in God’s wisdom while delighting in His creation and His promises.

Furthermore, childlike wonder nurtures humility, a quality central to discipleship. To marvel at creation is to recognize our smallness in the grand design of God’s universe. Each day of creation shows a careful ordering, a purposeful unfolding, and an abundance that far surpasses human capability. When we approach God with the humility of a child, we acknowledge that our understanding is limited and that we depend on His wisdom, power, and grace. This humility opens the heart to learning, to obedience, and to growth in Christ.

Finally, childlike wonder fosters joy and responsiveness. Just as a child laughs at fish in the sea or wishes to fly alongside birds, a disciple rejoices in the goodness and beauty of God’s works. Joy becomes a natural response to God’s creativity and care, fueling gratitude, worship, and faithful living. Trust, humility, and delight—all seen in the childlike approach to creation—are precisely the attitudes Jesus calls His followers to embody. By cultivating these qualities, we align ourselves with His kingdom’s values, allowing God’s Word and Spirit to guide, sustain, and transform us.

In this way, the story of the fifth day is not just a historical account; it is an invitation. God fills the world with life, and He invites us to witness, marvel, and participate in it with the wonder, trust, and openness of a child. This childlike approach becomes a model for our discipleship, shaping how we receive God’s creation, His commands, and ultimately, His presence in our lives.

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If you would like to explore Genesis in a sustained, verse-by-verse way with space to reflect, journal, and trace how these foundational truths unfold through Scripture the Verse by Verse book expands these reflections into a unified reading experience. The book gathers these meditations into a structured journey through Genesis, designed to help readers linger in the text and engage God’s Word more deeply over time.

Continue on with Verse 24.

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