By Joy Dunlap
My dad had a sled. In Alabama.
Our city got less than an inch and a half of snow a year on average, and most year received trace amounts or none. But Dad expected snow to come. He had no doubt snow would show up—sometime.
He had seen it happen. And, Dad didn’t want to miss a minute of enjoying it with us when it did! On the rare occasions that snow came, Dad was ready to enjoy it with us.
How thrilling it was to fly down the hill on that wooden sled with its metal runners.
As a child, I lay on top of Dad’s back and held on tightly. I trusted him to steer well and protect us. And he, along with our heavenly Father, always did. Oh, what fun we had!
When Wonder Slides Right Past Us
We often miss the miracles God puts on our path.
We don’t prepare our hearts to enjoy them. Perhaps we don’t believe we’ll see them.
Mostly though, we don’t notice them; or if we do, we don’t take time to fully experience and enjoy them. In some cases, worldly woes weaken and distract us so we become oblivious to the gifts God distributes throughout our days. Yet, miracles happen all around us. The birth of a baby. The blooming of a flower. The transformation of a caterpillar to a butterfly. The unique design of each snowflake that falls.
And, miracles happen within us as the quiet stirring of the Holy Spirit nudges us in the way to go. When we do experience “God-touch” times through people we meet, messages received, or a Scripture we read at just the right time, do we acknowledge God’s gift and the wonder of His timing? When we experience the amazing in creation, do we credit the Creator?
Miracles call us to be mindful and missional: mindful of the Giver of them and missional in giving God the glory for them.
Let’s look at 4 Ways to Experience the Wonder in Life – Not Just the Holidays!
1. Ask God to Awaken Your Awe of Him and His Works
Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. 1 Chronicles 29:11 NIV
Awaken my heart and my senses, Lord, to the wonder You put in my path. Let me see the gifts you so generously give.
2. Anticipate God’s Gifts and Wonders
You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples. Psalm 77:14 NIV
Lord, I expect to feel Your presence and see Your fingerprints as I go through this week. I eagerly desire a fresh encounter with You whether through Your Word, Your Creation, or in divine encounters You orchestrate.
3. Give Thanks for Past Blessings and Wonders.
I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds. Psalm 77:11–12 NIV
When I feel weary, discouraged or far from you, Lord, bring to my mind the times You’ve touched my life. Remind me also of Your power unleashed in the parting of the Red Sea, the feeding of 5,000-plus with five loaves and two fish, healings of the damaged in heart and body, the virgin birth, and Your resurrection.
4. Tell others about God’s faithfulness, powerful acts, and good gifts.
Declare His glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. 1 Chronicles 16:24 NIV
Embolden me, Lord, and open doors for me to tell Your story and give You glory. Give me the words and heart that point people to You.
Lights, Carols, and the One Behind It All
God put wonder in the world to point us to Him, not just at Christmas but throughout the year.
In Romans 1:20, we are reminded “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse” (NIV).
But the Word also gives us a warning. “For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.” Romans 1:21 NIV
They worshipped the wonders instead of the One who created them. As we enjoy the decorative lights this holiday season, let us meditate on the Light of the World. As we sing carols, let our voices be raised in praise to the Lord. As we give presents, let’s share the gift of Jesus, telling others what He means to us. “For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise.” 1 Chronicles 16:25 NIV.
Greet each day with an expectation of God’s divine handprints, and a heart open to hear from Him. Look for the Wonder.
Joy Dunlap served as a women’s ministry director and worked as a print journalist, radio news director, nonprofit advocate, and broadcasting association executive. Joy delights in seeing God’s hand and witnessing His heart in the everyday. Speaking Joyfully is her award-winning blog.
