Some things are just intriguing to me. They capture my heart and mind, and I want to see it and experience it again.
Such was the case when my bride and I went for a canoe ride down the river and across the street from us. It’s a beautiful sight. The ever flowing river gentle guides you to scenery of splendor and serenity. It’s calmness, stills your ever pounding heart. It never seems to grow old.
I also had that experience yesterday as my bride wanted me to cut down a Cedar tree that was pretty close to the house and blocking our view. There’s really nothing majestic or beautiful about a Cedar tree, until you cut into it’s thickness and smell the aroma. It keeps drawing me back to smell it again and again. I know that may sound weird to you, but I’m enamored by its fragrance.
Maybe those don’t excite you at all, but I’m sure there’s probably something that grabs your attention and keeps you wanting more. Maybe a good book. Or a musical. Maybe it’s your favorite hobby. A sporting activity. Whatever it is, it has the power to commandeer your time, energy and attention.
That’s the feeling I had as I read Psalm 111 this morning. The Psalm writer said,
“The LORD has done many wonderful things! Everyone who is pleased with God’s marvelous deeds will keep them in mind.” —Psalm 111:2
The writer is amazed at the great things God has done. They aren’t just good things either… they’re wonderful… marvelous deeds. It’s those things that cause us to have a sense of awe and wonder, and we can’t forget them.
But, let’s be honest now. Sometimes we lose our sense of awe and wonder when we think about God. The majesty of His works and power lose their freshness. They become just normal, everyday things that no longer collar us. Which then means that much of our delight in the Lord begins to fade and dissolve. And as you probably know… that’s not the place you want to be. Don’t let the wonderful things of God become drab in your life. Don’t ever lose your sense of awe and wonder as you meditate on God.
The Psalmist tells us so much more in the following verses. He tell us God is.
- “glorious and majestic,” verse 3
- “kind and merciful,” verse 4
- “always keeps His agreement,” verse 5
- ‘always honest and fair,” verse 7
Here’s my word of encouragement for you today
Take a moment of your time, look around and see all that God has done. Smell the world and taste and see that God is good and then renew your sense of delight in Him. Purpose within your own heart and mind that you will always be inspired by the wonders of God.
Father,
Thank you for all that I am going to see and experience today. Help me find You in it all. In Jesus name I ask this, Amen.
—Rev. Dr. MM Marxhausen
Mark was Spiritual Director for VdC from 2016 to 2019. He's written many of the devotions, especially the Devote and Affirm series, found on this website.
