Everyone knows the Holy Spirit aided in creation! We see Him there before “light” was even called into existence. “And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the SPIRIT OF GOD moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.” Genesis 1:2-3

But the Book of Job adds to the discussion!

Especially Job chapter 26, where verse 13 beautifully announces of God: “By his spirit he hath garnished the heavens ….”

Wow!

Creation again, using a Piel stem verb (in Hebrew suggesting great vigor, energetic action, fervency of purpose) spelled “shiprah” (translated “hath garnished”).

God, via the Holy Spirit, “made to glisten” the Heavens! Made the stars shine!

Yes, “shiprah” is a “hapax legomenon” in Scripture. That means the exact word is only found once in all the Bible, here in Job 26:13.

But its “root” means “to be pleasing, to be beautiful, to be bright.”

And aren’t the “heavens” just that?

Next clear night, go outside and look upward!

And the stronger telescopes and amazing outer-space viewing platforms we have today … merely accent our verse!

What color!

What span, distance, light years of power!

What awe His Handiwork inspires!

Yes, Job is right, of course. “By His Spirit (the Holy Spirit) He (God the Father) hath garnished the heavens ….” His “fingerprints” are in the sky!

But also, “by His Spirit,” He has saved my soul!

“By His Spirit” He sanctifies our lives!

“By His Spirit” He teaches us the Word of God!

“By His Spirit” He convicts me of wrongdoing!

Is there no end to the workings of God the Holy Spirit?

The universe his canvas, the Holy Spirit is God’s Artist Supreme!

By the way, is He “garnishing” your life today?

— Dr. Mike Bagwell