Scripture suggests we are meant to live in wild awe and amazement of God. From the first splash of creation to the miraculous provision during the exodus to the announcement of Christ’s arrival, those who encounter God are taken back with a deep sense of wonder.
Yet all too often we can lose sight of the wonders of God.
Whether you’ve never felt any sense of amazement regarding God, or maybe you’ve misplaced your sense of awe somewhere along the way, or even just want a greater sense of marvel in your life, here are five ways to #LIVEWONDERSTRUCK starting today:
1. See the world through a child’s eyes. [Tweet this] When was the last time you glimpsed the world through someone under the age of 8? They’re naturally gifted at seeing everything from a different perspective—and not just because of their height. They notice details, colors, textures, and sounds that we often miss. Kids have an uncanny ability to find joy in the smallest discoveries, the simplest experiences. If you don’t have kids yet, spend time with your nieces or nephews. Offer to babysit for a friend. And when you do, get down on their level—your knees or even sitting on the floor to grab hold of childlike wonder.
2. Snap photos of the wonder of creation. [Tweet this] Even if you’re not on Instagram or Pinterest yet (gasp!), take your smart phone or camera outside and begin snapping photos of the delights in nature. Capture photos of the royal blue canvas of the sky, the solo down-feather puffy cloud, the texture of a thin tree branch or emerald leaf. As you look through the lens, ask God to open your eyes to see the world with greater gratitude—appreciating the expansiveness and intricacies of God’s design. Post what you see online with the hashtag #LIVEWONDERSTRUCK to share with others.
3. Spend an afternoon with a lifelong friend. [Tweet this] We live in a world where you can buy just about anything online—guns & ammo, the perfect skinny jeans, a plane ticket to the Congo. But one of the things money will never be able to buy is a 10- or 20-year-old friendship. Carve out time to spend a few hours with someone who knew you way-back-when. The friend who still loved you when you had that haircut, went through that breakup, survived that crazy stage of life with you. Drink in the sweet warmth of knowing and being known and rekindle the wonder of friendship in your life.
4. Dive into the exploration of science. [Tweet this] Though some portray science and faith as bitter enemies, this dynamic duo are actually intimate friends. Science is laced with the wonders of God and can leave us breathless in the wake of its discoveries. Pick up a copy of The Elegant Universe by Brian Greene to find yourself awestruck by string theory. Spend some time studying the inner workings of a beehive to be reminded of the brilliance of God. Research one animal or insect and get to know everything you can—you’ll be awed before you know it.
5. Go deeper in the Scripture with a theologian. [Tweet this] Maybe you’ve grown up in church, read the Bible from cover to cover every year for the last decade, or even lead a Bible study. You’re well-versed in the idea that the wonders of God lace the pages of Scripture, but even more waits to be discovered. Pick up the latest offerings from N.T Wright, Craig Blomberg, Darrell Bock and go deeper. New treasures are waiting to be discovered.
Indeed, the wonders of God are all around you. Don’t wait another day to #livewonderstruck.
How do you rekindle the wonder of God in your life? Join the discussion below.
**Original photo found here.
Yes! And Amen! Those are GREAT ideas. I will be using them with our sons this summer to talk about the WONDER of God! Thank you!
Jennifer, you must let me know how it goes explaining that to your sons! Children have such an amazing way of living WONDERSTRUCK each and every day!
I would occasionally take nature photos because I wanted to be reminded of God’s beauty and I wanted the world to see what God has made. That was my goal when choosing to study photography three years ago. It’s been a long time since I’ve photographed, but I would love to capture more of God’s creation and share it. After reading this list, I feel like going outside and taking photos. This is one way I can rekindle living wonderstruck.
Symone, I challenge you to take up photography again! Even if it’s just to capture a piece of God’s wonder in nature. You go girl! Send me some of your pictures!
I am a bit behind in reading various emails, but this one caught my attention. I had an upsetting conversation with my father yesterday and I plan on forwarding this to him. He has become a bitter angry man, and I pray something in this message will spark something, anything, to make him begin the journey of healing and running to God.
Saying a prayer for you and your father, Nichole. May God wrap you both up in his love as you mend your relationship.
I have been practicing seeing with a child’s eyes. I have to say that while I was walking and prying my way through the neighborhood and trying to get a good visual image of “praying for pixie dust” I happened to remember how the Wonderful World of Disney started on TV many years ago…Tinkerbell flying over the castle with her wand sprinkling stars in its wake. So as I was picturing what that would look like in answer to some specific prayers…I heard a voice say…Tinkerbell! I had to do some looking around and finally saw a guy in his back yard and it turns out he was calling for his dog! What an awesome way for God to speak His encouragement to me to keep on praying in “great expectation” of His reply!
Lucy, You just painted the best picture in my mind… Tinkerbell sprinkling her pixie dust everywhere. Thank you for sharing– keep seeking to LIVE WONDERSTRUCK!
Lucy, that’s incredible how God confirmed He hears your heart! Just wonder-full!
Thanks Margaret! I want to live in the wonders of GOD. I think they are just so common that I take them for granted.
During this season of Thanksgiving, I am learning to see His wonders as Fleming Rutledge describes: “The life of thankfulness—biblically speaking—is lived in view of the hard things of existence. As the life of thanksgiving deepens, we discover that the more mature prayers of thanksgiving are not those offered for the obvious blessings, but those spoken in gratitude for obstacles overcome, for insights gained, for lessons learned, for increased humility, for help received in time of need, for strength to persevere, for opportunities to serve others.”
It’s becoming more astonishing to me how the beauty of GOD’S handiwork is seen best in the ways that He changes us through the hard seasons of life.