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What Sparks Wonder?
The sense of wonder is vital in our explorations of reality. What it is that sparks wonder in us? Is it the sight of a sunrise as it peaks its head over the mountain peaks of the Cascades? Is it in the simple wide-eyed expressions of a child when seeing autumn leaves or a caterpillar for the first time? Is it the peaceful, soothing motion of the waves as they break over the sandy beaches at sunset? Wonder can indeed be silent in light of nature’s grandeur. But it can also stimulate our minds and cause us to recognize and marvel at the wonderful in everything that surrounds us. And bring us closer to our God. The psalmist wrote:
Deep calls to deep
at the roar of your waterfalls;
all your breakers and your waves
have gone over me.
Psalm 42.7
Our Father calls out to each of us in various ways. Through the vast gulf between us, He continues to communicate with us. As deep calls to deep, the Creator shares His love and wisdom. Our Sovereign God is near. Remembering the sweet blessings from the Lord brings us from the brink of despair to moments of wonder. Thirsting for His refreshing waters in times of trial. We just need to simply open our eyes. View the wonder that is ever present. And give heed.
By day the Lord commands his steadfast love,
and at night his song is with me,
a prayer to the God of my life.
Psalm 42.8
When you get right down to it, all of creation is a wonder. So is resurrection and eternal life. The marvelous displays of God are everywhere in Scripture. Wonders too great for our imaginations. Can you recount all of His wonderful deeds? (Psalm 9.1). He parted the sea so that the Israelites could escape their oppressors (Exodus 14.21). The mighty walls of Jericho tumbling down (Joshua 6.20). The sun stood still in the sky so Joshua’s army could fight against God’s enemies (Joshua 10.12). God shut the mouths of hungry lions to keep them from eating Daniel (Daniel 6.22). His wonders never cease to amaze.
And for us as Christians, wonder begins and ends with Jesus. Like the crowds who saw the paralytic man rise and walk home. “We have seen extraordinary things today” (Luke 5.16b). It’s the good news that should cause all to stand in awe and wonder. The Son of God was willing to make Himself vulnerable. For us.
who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Philippians 2.6-8
We might despair and feel frustrated as we see the world around us. “Why? Strife and contention is everywhere. Wickedness is rampant. Why don’t my friends and family heed the gospel call before it’s everlastingly too late?” Our cry is the cry of the prophet Habakkuk. But notice the Lord’s response.
Look among the nations, and see;
wonder and be astounded.
For I am doing a work in your days
that you would not believe if told.
Habakkuk 1.5
He call us daily to wonder and be astounded. God is still “doing a work.” The evidence has always been there. We but need to look and listen. And realize His greatest work has already been accomplished through the selfless sacrifice of His Son. Wonder at the marvel that is salvation. Eternity awaits us all.
Is your sense of wonder still there? How will you respond to the God of your life?
