When was the last time you were struck with awe? Left amazed and bewildered? Captivated by wonder? I am trying to remember. I know certain things cultivate wonder a bit more easily in me, like gazing at newborns or breathtaking mountain views, the intricacy of a simple flower and observing the aged. But when was the last time I was awed, amazed, or captivated by wonder?
If you are like me, you could probably use more wonder in your life. Moments that capture us in a “take your breath away” flash, sending us mentally reeling as we try to grasp that which is before us. Sensitive with every fiber of our being! Not wanting anything to distract or interrupt what we are experiencing. How, in that moment, do we capture the experience?
I wonder how often I miss opportunities like these because I am busy or distracted or just not paying attention in the moment. Guilty of not pausing long enough to see all the Creator has placed right before my very eyes. Missing out on the little gifts tucked in my everyday life. How do I teach myself to stop, right in the middle of the normal flow of my day and seek out that which is amazing, awe striking and wondrous?
The more I ponder all God has placed directly in my path, I can’t help but to think of Jesus. “As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him.” (Mark 9:15) Seeing Jesus overwhelms with wonder, but am I looking for Him and His wonder? In the days of the apostles, Jesus equipped them to provide awe and wonder to others. In Acts 2:7, a crowd had gathered and heard their own language being spoken. “Utterly amazed they asked, ‘Aren’t these who are speaking Galileans?’” Through the Holy Spirit, the words spoken grabbed the crowd’s attention, and right before their very eyes, many languages were being spoken at the same time. Amazing!
It didn’t stop there. “Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.” (Acts 2:43) Just as in the story of the man who spent his life at the gate called Beautiful, begging to survive, Peter and John didn’t have silver or gold to give him, but healed him in the name of Jesus. “When the people saw him…they recognized him as the same man…and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.” (Acts 3:9-10) In the name of Jesus, they inspired awe. Over and over again, wonder, awe and amazement are used to describe people’s reactions that have come in contact with the power of the name of Jesus. Does that describe our reactions?
The power of Jesus is on display for us every day. Creation declares the glory of this power: stars and space, creatures—large and small, landscape, vegetation and even food…to name a few. Ways to experience wonder through His creation are endless. Expressions of love declare His power multiple times a day: the tenderness between a husband and wife, a hug with a friend, kids laughing together or an act of kindness for an elderly neighbor. You can declare His power with words and actions as you encourage, serve others and share truth. Whether at church or just in casual encounters, what you say and do can inspire awe and wonder through the power of Jesus.
We all need more wonder in our lives. It is possible! The simplest way I know to achieve this is by asking. God is ready to display the wonders of His creation, awe of His love and the amazing power He has placed in us just by our asking. Maybe we should start each day requesting to see Him and His work; allowing our eyes and ears to be sensitive to all that stimulates wonder and awe. I bet we will be more than amazed at how He responses!
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