Amazement and Wonder
by Peter Brokaar
When we consider who God is and what He’s done, what would be the most appropriate response from us, as created beings? Surely it would be to marvel, wonder and be amazed? How can we fully comprehend Him? How can we ever fully grasp the things He’s done?
Of all His mighty works, the creation of all that exists is enough to leave us in amazement for the rest of our days. Though philosophy and science may help us understand something of it, the fact is that no-one really understands how the universe actually works. Despite all our knowledge, wisdom and cleverness, we’re unable to truly fathom the mysteries of the world God’s created.
Sadly a hallmark of today’s society appears to be that we’ve lost the ability to be amazed. How many of us pause from time to time to marvel at God’s works and exclaim ‘How great Thou Art’? Instead what we see is an increasing tendency towards cynicism, confusion and even desperation. But if our increase in knowledge doesn’t lead us to an increase in amazement and awe for God then we tragically miss the point.
Children are to be envied in regard to this. They get amazed by the smallest of things - the feathers of a bird, the size of an elephant or the taste of a sweetie. It’s all very exciting and wonderful to them. They enjoy simple things so much that they want to experience them over and over again. Though, as adults, we may never fully regain the sense of wonder we felt as a child over simple things, life would become more interesting (and also more fun!) if we learnt once more how to marvel at God and His works. Just consider this:
Isn't it amazing that the God who created everything in existence is also interested in the minutest details of our lives?
Isn't it amazing that, although God is all-powerful, He’s also the gentlest Person in the universe?
Isn't it amazing that, even though Jesus is King of kings, He came to be the servant of us all?
Isn't it amazing that the Son of God died for us?
How good it would be for us to spend time on a regular basis simply being amazed at how God worked out salvation for us! A great way of doing this is to look at the words of this famous hymn:
I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene,
And wonder how He could love me: a sinner, condemned unclean.
How marvellous! How wonderful! And my song shall ever be:
How marvellous! How wonderful! Is my Saviour’s love for me!
Prayer: Father in heaven, I thank You for the opportunities You’ve given me to be amazed. Please help me to have times when I can be child-like and marvel at Your mighty works, and be amazed at the God that You are. I want to say to You, that You’re incredible! I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Peter Brokaar is Director of Ellel Ministries Scotland and has been there together with his wife Liz since 2005. They have 3 kids, all born in Scotland! In his free time he likes reading, cooking, running and surfing. Being at Ellel Scotland has given him the privilege of getting to know God deeper and sharing that joy with many others.
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