Wonder. We all hear the word and use it occasionally in sentences. But we rarely talk about what it means in relationship to God. Wonder in its noun usage is a feeling of surprise mingled with admiration caused by something beautiful, unexpected, unfamiliar or inexplicable. The verb usage of wonder is desire of the curious to know something. To feel admiration and amazement, marvel. I believe if we allow ourselves to see the wonder of God in the unexpected, the unfamiliar we then stir the curiosity to know something. That something is “God.” Yet all too often we can lose sight of the wonders of God.
Whether you’ve never felt any sense of amazement regarding God, or maybe you’ve misplaced your sense of awe somewhere along the way, or maybe you just want a greater sense of marvel in your life. Here are a few ways to wonder again.
- Snap photos of the wonder of creation. Take your smart phone or camera outside and begin snapping photos of the delights in nature. Capture photos of the royal blue canvas of the sky, the solo down-feather puffy cloud, the texture of a thin tree branch or the intricate details of a leaf. As you look through the lens, ask God to open your eyes to see the world with greater gratitude—appreciating the expansiveness and intricacies of God’s design. “Know therefore today, and take it to our heart, that the Lord, He is God in heaven above and on the earth below; there is no other.” – Deuteronomy 4:39
- Dive into the exploration of science. Though some portray science and faith as bitter enemies, this dynamic duo are actually intimate friends. Science is laced with the wonders of God and can leave us breathless in the wake of its discoveries. Watch Louie Giglio on YouTube “Stars and Whales singing How Great is Our God.” Spend some time studying the inner workings of a beehive to be reminded of the brilliance of God. Research one animal or insect and get to know everything you can—you’ll be awed before you know it. “Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone works wonders. And blessed be His glorious name forever; and may the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen and Amen.” – Psalm 72:18-19
- The Wonder of the Word read and ponder the wonder of the Word of God. A couple of scriptures to ponder on: Jeremiah 29:11 & Exodus 15:11. Enjoy the read and the wonder about what God has in store for each of us and how there is truly none like Him.
- LISTEN TO SOMEONE’S STORY. Sometimes serving and working in a church or non-profit can become so task oriented that we miss the people right in front of us. We forget that we are surrounded by men and women whose lives have been transformed forever by a living God.
The wonder is all around us but we need to drink in the fullness simply because we don’t pause to listen to the living testimonies of grace. Just a few doors down from your office, just right across the aisle between the pews, is a story waiting to be shared that will take your breath away. God’s goodness, faithfulness, and love are waiting to be discovered anew.
#BEWONDERSTRUCK
Karen Haler
Children’s Ministry Director
NCWC