Great are the works of the LORD, they are studied by all who delight in them. Full of splendor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever. He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and merciful. (Psalm 111:2-4, ESV)
Many of my friends would probably describe me as a serious person. I tend to process things internally, hold myself to high standards, and wrestle with perfectionism.
Tournament golf often intensifies that part of my personality. My self-focus increases, and I find it difficult to rest both my body and my mind.
The reason is simple: I care deeply. I want to compete well and play my best, but the long days of practice and competition can be exhausting.
During a recent four-week stretch of tournaments, I realized I had slipped into survival mode instead of noticing the daily invitations to awe and wonder.
Being a serious person is not bad. Our personalities fall along a spectrum, and seriousness may simply sit on the opposite end from lightheartedness.
But when we live only at the extremes, we can miss the wonders waiting for us in the space between. Today’s psalm reminds us to seek God’s works—to study them, delight in them, and remember them.
God’s works include his righteousness toward his people, his never-ending grace, his provision for those who follow him, his faithfulness to his covenants, his truth and justice working together, and the deliverance and redemption of his people.
Awe begins to stir when we pause long enough to recognize God’s greatness. Wonder grows as we slow down to study and delight in God’s works instead of passing over them.
God’s character is revealed through his works. He is majestic, compassionate, forgiving, and full of grace.
In practical ways, awe and wonder can meet us in a child’s laughter, a bird’s song, a sunrise or sunset, the privilege of pointing a loved one toward Jesus, the shake of a hand, the vulnerability of a friend, the taste of good food, a cold drink of water, or an unexpected hug.
When I agreed to attend a women’s retreat in eastern Montana the day after finishing my fourth tournament, I was not excited about leaving home again. What I did not know was that God’s great works were waiting there for me—to loosen my grip on seriousness and say yes to awe and wonder.
Nature is good for my soul. My heart delighted in sunrises, endless wheat fields, and majestic landscapes. Each step I hiked restored my body, and each moment around the circle of women nurtured my spirit.
The words of the psalmist remind me that God is everywhere and at work in everything, all the time. May we open our eyes and hearts to see, receive, and delight with awe and wonder.
Where do you see God’s splendor displayed in creation, and how might you pause long enough to truly delight in it today?
What ordinary moment, relationship, or gift has recently stirred wonder in you—and what might God be inviting you to notice through it?
Which part of God’s character do you need to remember today: his grace, mercy, faithfulness, provision, righteousness, or redeeming love?
Prayer: Lord, teach me to study and delight in your works, to remember your faithfulness, and to receive each day as an invitation to awe and wonder.