How can we "ponder" God's works in our daily lives? Verse in focus “Great are the works of the LORD; they are pondered by all who delight in them.” (Psalm 111:2) What “ponder” looks like • To ponder is to linger, examine, and treasure—turning God’s works over in the mind until the heart warms to them. • It moves beyond noticing to savoring, like slowly tasting honey (Psalm 34:8). • It leads naturally to worship (Psalm 111:3-4). Why deliberate pondering matters • Scripture commands it—“Remember the wonders He has done” (1 Chronicles 16:12). • It anchors faith; God’s past actions guarantee His future faithfulness (Lamentations 3:21-23). • It fuels obedience; seeing His works clearly motivates us to “be doers of the word” (James 1:22-25). • It counters forgetfulness; Israel drifted when they “forgot His works” (Psalm 106:13). Practical ways to ponder God’s works each day 1. Morning look-back – Begin the day by recalling one concrete mercy from yesterday. Voice it aloud or write it. – Lamentations 3:23 reminds us His mercies are “new every morning,” so start by naming one. 2. Scripture spotlight – Read a narrative passage and pause to identify God’s action. Example: Mark 4:39—Jesus calms the storm. – Ask, “What does this reveal about His power, compassion, or wisdom?” – Carry that insight through the day. 3. Creation walks – Step outside; note color, symmetry, sound. Psalm 19:1 declares, “The heavens proclaim the glory of God.” – Use the scene as a prompt to praise Him for imagination and order. 4. Gratitude lists – Keep a running list on phone or paper. Each entry is a “work of the LORD” to revisit. – Return to the list in low moments; let it re-orient perspective. 5. Testimony sharing – Over meals or drives, recount answered prayers or providential timing (Psalm 71:15-16). – Hearing others’ stories multiplies reasons to marvel. 6. Sabbath scrapbook – Set aside weekly time to compile photos, journal excerpts, or news headlines that showcase His hand. – Review previous weeks to trace a larger narrative of grace. 7. Nightly rewind – Before sleep, replay the day asking, “Where did I see God act?” Even small protections or insights qualify. – Psalm 63:6 models meditating on God “through the watches of the night.” Guardrails for authentic pondering • Keep Christ central—Colossians 1:17 states all things hold together in Him; let every observation point there. • Stay biblical—measure impressions against Scripture so sentiment never outruns truth. • Respond in action—pondering that stops at admiration misses the purpose; true reflection leads to obedience (John 14:15). • Cultivate humility—His works are “great,” ours are small; this keeps pondering from becoming self-focused. Closing encouragement Pondering is not another task to squeeze in; it’s a posture of attentive delight. As Psalm 111:2 assures, everyone who delights in the Lord will find His works worthy of lingering thought. Slow down, notice, savor, and watch worship rise. |
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