Lost Wonder
They forgot his works and the wonders that he had shown them. Psalm 78:11
When I moved to Berks County, Pa, I heard someone says, “It wonders me.” As a Delawarean I would have said, “I wonder about…” or “It makes me wonder.”
Tonight as I was getting ready for bed I could hear fireworks for at least the third time this Spring. My immediate thought was that fireworks have lost their wonder for me.
As a child, it was a big deal if we got to see fireworks on the 4th of July. Now, they are weekly (or it seems that often if you live close-by!) at some sporting events. They are a part of many carnivals and even New Year’s Eve.
The wonder has been lost.
In a conversation with some friends one of them said, “You know what I miss? I miss wondering.”
She went on to say that you can no longer wonder about people or places or historical events. If you mention you are wondering about them, three people pull out their phones and start searching.
So, it seems we have a lack of wonder. We think we can know everything.
There’s also a “wonder” that seems to be lacking from those who say they know God but appear to have no wonder about Him. As the psalmist says, they have forgotten His works and the wonders He has show them (Psalm 78:11).
While recently reading a book, I was reminded of a commentator who taught that we should always be asking what God is doing in our circumstances, seeking His perspective. That seems like a form of “wonder” to me.
When we remember the “wonders God has shown” us, we are reminded that He works everything together for good for those who love Him and called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). This truth brings peace but should also cause us to wonder at God’s goodness to His people.
Today, God’s Name gets used in vain often by people who obviously have no wonder about Him. His Name has become even more common than fireworks.
When we saw fireworks once a year, there was amazement and awe at the beautiful display. Today’s child has so many opportunities, they may not even look up to watch them. That same child, who perhaps only hears God’s name when it is taken in vain, will probably not wonder about Him at all.
King David saw the wonder when he said, “Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all” (1 Chronicles 29:11).
Fireworks may be becoming too common but God will never be. He is still the only One who is: Great. Powerful. Glorious. Victorious. Majestic. He is Awesome (don’t get me started on the overuse of that word!)
Does what we say and do demonstrate what we believe about God? Is He commonplace, just a Name we throw around? Or would we finish as David did?
“Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.” 1 Chronicles 29:12-13