Awe and Wonder
RUTH CHOU SIMONS
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“When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?” Psalm 8:3-4 (ESV)
When was the last time you stared at the night sky and tried to count the stars? It causes me to marvel every time … and it should!
God and His design for us are much more complex and extravagant than we know. In the dizzying array of technology and man-made creations, it’s easy to be in awe of the work of our own hands, forgetting that the very breath we breathe is a gift from God. In this way, miracles happen every day. They may not look like the literal parting of the Red Sea, but God makes a way through the wilderness each and every day of our lives — starting, first and foremost, with the way of salvation through the promised Savior of the world, Jesus of Nazareth.
The psalmist who wrote Psalm 8, David, didn’t know the wonders of the virgin birth and the sinless life, burial and resurrection of Christ. But David experienced a profound sense of awe when he considered the handiwork of God as the Creator who spoke the world into existence:
“When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?” (Psalm 8:3-4).
Day by day, God continues to hold the world together by His power. From the sun that calls this day into order, piercing through the darkest night, to the blazing sunset that lingers past the day’s toils, God still puts His power and sovereign care on display. He still calls us to respond with wonder and awe.
So does this Christmas season find you full of awe and wonder or jaded from the numbing strain of busyness? It’s hard to be full of praise and adoration when we are filled with worry and striving.
Are you tempted to discount the seemingly unremarkable corners of your life? What if the God of wonders is at work in more ways than you can possibly imagine?
The true miracle of Christmas isn’t simply the virgin birth; it’s much greater than even that incredible event. The miracle of Christmas is in this: A holy God made a way for all who believe to come to Him … because He first came to us. Let that sink in. God’s promises, fulfilled by God Himself, are more than remarkable. They merit a response — not to get busy but to fall down in reverence and awe for our great God.
And as we consider this great love and pursuit from the Father, He doesn’t seek a response of showy extravagance; He desires our surrendered praise. O, that we might bow low and respond with lifted hearts, declaring, “You are God Almighty, and we stand in awe of You.”
Father, You are worthy of our praise. You draw near to us each day and put on display the ways You are still sovereign and good. Please forgive us for the ways we try to steal Your glory and trust in ourselves. May we give You the adoration and praise You deserve — not just this Christmas season but each and every day. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
For more about preparing room for Christ in your heart this Advent season, read Ruth Chou Simons’ Advent devotional, Emmanuel.
ENGAGE
Learn more about Ruth’s ministry and role as the founder of GraceLaced at ruthchousimons.com.
FOR DEEPER STUDY
Psalm 33:6-9, “By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host. He gathers the waters of the sea as a heap; he puts the deeps in storehouses. Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him! For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm” (ESV).
Consider reading the lyrics to “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” and spend some time adoring Christ in prayer.
What stirs up awe and wonder in your soul? Share with us in the comments today!
© 2023 by Ruth Chou Simons. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
Originally published Wednesday, 06 December 2023.
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