Awe and Wonder
The rain falls, drop by drop, to the rhythm of His command, not one out of place or lost. Puddles turn to streams, rivers, lakes and oceans. Waves are held firm at the shoreline, not to increase or stray beyond the boundary set forth by the Lord God.
Massive rock and mineral formations jet upward across the horizon, fixed in place, resolute and sure of its purpose. Snowy peaks greet the clouds, while grassy valleys shelter the smallest of wildlife. Sunlight and shadow paint color across the mountains, dressing them with splendor.
As dusk approaches, each lighting bug begins its dress rehearsal for their nightly performance. Small, tiny bursts of light sprinkle over the landscape and settle within the trees. Birds begin to harmonize with the insects, as the celebration of another day completed, invades the atmosphere.
Stars by the millions, assume their place upon the blank, black canvas, eagerly awaiting their time to rejoice because of the magnificence of their Maker. Each sphere slowly spins and moves to a beautifully choreographed dance, joining planets and meteors, to create a production most worthy of its brilliant Artist. The hum from the sun’s burning gas is soft, low and steady, constant and reliable- just like the Creator.
Ten tiny fingers and toes wiggle in amazement and delight, powered by the very breath of Yahweh. No greater design has ever been developed than that of mankind. Each strand of DNA, created with complexity and intentionality. No wasted parts, only perfection- just as it should be with a Master craftsman. Simple dust, molded together to form a body so unique and lovely, all of creation takes notice.
What is man that You are mindful of him? (Psalms 8:4a)
Pause
Stop
Pay Attention
It is so easy to forget, in this day to day life, the Majesty of Jesus. Schedules, children, family, business, groceries, ballgames, doctor visits, parties, work… and the list goes on indefinitely.
The capacity of our human brain is tremendous, yet we utilize so little of its capabilities, per scientist who have studied such things. In other words, there is only so much that can go in, before something else gets pushed out. We roll along, grinding away at the endless list of items we wish to accomplish, our life set on automatic, and things that ought not be forgotten, move out of the frame of remembrance.
Even in ministry, it can reach a place where we serve faithfully out of a pattern of commonplace normalcy, instead of from the fires of passionate obedience, stemming from an understanding of God’s worth.
He remembered that they were but flesh, a passing breeze that does not return (Psalms 78:39)
Flesh
Weak
Feeble
Yep, that about sums up the human race. There are those who would concur with their ineptitude, but most think much too highly of themselves, while gazing into the mirror. Arrogance is not becoming.
In a society where navel gazing is the norm, where does that place the Sustainer of all things within the scope of the priority list? Does the greatness of God pass across your mind throughout the hours of sunlight? When laying your head down in the evening, is there a sense of awe because you were just blessed with another day?
Do you have understanding of by Whose power, the very oxygen in your lungs is allowed to inhaled and exhaled? Ever marvel when you hear the rhythmic thumping of your heart within your ears, its melody singing, “Life is flowing!”.
Is there the smallest pause when you see a beautiful sunrise, hear the first cries of a newborn baby or witness a caterpillar emerge from a chrysalis, transformed into a new creation, or do you breeze by and keep rollin’ with life?
One of the most crucial things I have learned over the years, is to pay close attention to the things around me, and find joy in the little things. The goodness of our Lord is boundless and limitless. One of my all time favorite hymns is called “I Stand Amazed”. The first verse says:
I stand amazed in the presence, of Jesus the Nazarene. And wonder how He could love me, a sinner condemned unclean.
Many times, I can barely get the words out, as I am reminded of the deep pit of sin my Savior pulled me from, and emotion begins to overwhelm my heart. I don’t ever want to lose my amazement of Jesus, my awe and reverence.
When we understand the power and ultimate authority God has, it will cause us to worship harder, in amazement and trembling. We will be overcome with gratitude, in the knowledge of everything that has been done for us. Most important, we will have a healthy, reverential fear of the Lord, which is key in keeping us humbled at His feet.
I will remember the works of the Lord; surely I will remember Your wonders of old. I will also meditate on all Your work, and talk of Your deeds. (Psalms 77:11-12)
Mindful
Intentional
Purposeful
Exercise and practice focusing your heart’s attention on Jesus. Make a point to thank Him for something every day, no matter how insignificant it may seem. Read through the scriptures that describe His power and might, such as ones found in Revelation.
We serve a magnificent, glorious King of Kings. There is nothing He cannot do and all we see, smell, taste and touch are by His hands. Even death could not hold Him! Worship Him, because He is worthy! Praise Him for His mighty works and the power of His Might and Glory! He is all in all and the sustainer of every life on this globe.
I want to leave you with the lyrics of another favorite worship song of mine. As you read them, I pray they become the cry of your heart.
May we never lose our wonder
May we never lose our wonder
Wide-eyed and mystified
May we be just like a child
Staring at the beauty of our King
May we never lose our wonder
May we never lose our wonder