9th April 2025

One Heart Beat

In the beginning,

God created the heavens and the earth.

Genesis 1:1 

Today's Bible Reading: Genesis 1:1, 27–31.

Stories have captivated humans since the dawn of creation, functioning as a way to pass down knowledge long before written language existed. We have all known the delight of hearing or reading a story and being immediately engaged by such opening lines as “Once upon a time”. The power of a story appears to extend beyond merely enjoyment: when we listen to a story together, our heartbeats seem to synchronise! Though our individual heartbeats vary over the course of a day, and might only match another’s coincidentally, new research indicates that our hearts may all fall into the same rhythm when we hear the same story at the same time.

God begins telling us His story with the words, “In the beginning” (Genesis 1:1). From the very moment Adam and Eve first drew breath (v 27), God has used that unfolding story to shape not just our individual lives but also, and perhaps more importantly, our collective lives as His children. Through the Bible—the most magnificent, wonderful non-fiction story ever recorded, our hearts as believers in the Lord Jesus are joined together as people set apart for His purposes (1 Peter 2:9).

In response, may our hearts beat in shared rhythm, delighted by the Author’s creative works. And may we share His story with others, declaring “His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all peoples” (Psalm 96:3), inviting them to become part of it too.

Prayer: Thank You, Father, for showing me who You are through the Bible and making me one of Your own, through Jesus Christ, Your Son. Amen.