Wonder at God

Deutsch English

There are many words and expressions related to the idea of wonder, such as:

• to be amazed
• to be filled with awe
• to be wide-eyed with amazement
• to be speechless
• to be completely taken aback
• to be unable to take one's eyes off something
• to be lost for words
• to be astonished beyond belief

All five senses can play a part in experiencing wonder: hearing, seeing, smelling, tasting and touching.

1. Wonder at God's Greatness and Glory

The writers of the Psalms were also filled with wonder.

In some Bible translations, the words *wonder*, *wondrous*, *wonderful* or *marvel* are used to express this sense of amazement.

In one of David's Psalms, we read:

When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place. Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! 

 Psalm 8:3+9 (NIV)

2. Wonder at God's Wonderful Works and Miracles

I I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14 (NIV)

Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare. 
Psalm 40:5 (NIV)

When I was young, I became seriously ill. The diagnosis was typhoid fever.

For four weeks, I fought for my life, suffering from a high fever and severe chills. When things became critical – around midnight – I was drifting in and out of consciousness and struggling to breathe. My parents sent for the leader of our church at the time. He came immediately, bringing several other fellow believers with him.

But the miracle had already happened.

My father, my mother and a Christian woman who rented a room in our house were standing around my bed, praying. With tears in their eyes, they pleaded with God for my young life.

Then something extraordinary happened. I could feel the illness leaving my body. Suddenly, I could breathe freely again. Everything felt so light. I was still too weak to get out of bed, but I was completely well.

Two days later, I managed to get up and walk into the kitchen. There I saw my mother preparing a slice of bread and butter with fresh chives and salt for herself. My mouth began to water, and I said, "Mum, I'm hungry!"

She gave me her bread, which I ate with great enjoyment. I had no problems at all – no vomiting, no diarrhoea, nothing!

After that, I made myself available to the Lord, just as I had promised.

Now I have reached the age of 91, and I am delighted to be able to share these reflections with others. My life is a gift of grace. Praise be to the Lord!

My recovery was also confirmed by the doctor.

3. Hymn Writers Are Filled with Wonder, Too

"I stand amazed at the love that is beyond all understanding; His grace humbles me, for He has done so much for me..."

Chorus:

"Oh, how wonderful it is that Jesus cares for me! He willingly gave His life for me on the cross. How wonderful that is!"

Pfingstjubel, Hymn No. 83

4. Final Thoughts

"When I consider, O Creator, your mighty power, the wisdom of your ways, and the love that watches over all, and when I worship you for all these things, I am filled with such wonder that I hardly know how to praise you enough, my God, my Lord and Father."

The more we come to know God, the more we discover how little we can truly comprehend about Him – and the greater our sense of wonder becomes.

A question to reflect on:

Do we sometimes become so amazed by God's gifts that we forget to stand in awe of the Giver Himself?

Author: Egon Waechter
Images 1 bis 4: Egon Waechter
AI Images 5-6: https://www.bing.com/images/create/