How can we recognize God's hand in events as "the LORD’s doing" today? The marvel of Psalm 118:23 “This is from the LORD; it is marvelous in our eyes.” — Psalm 118:23 Setting the stage • Psalm 118 celebrates God’s covenant faithfulness, victory, and deliverance. • The writer looks at a recent rescue—likely from military threat—and recognizes it did not spring from human strategy but divine initiative. • The psalmist’s response: awe (“marvelous”) and public proclamation (“in our eyes”). Scripture’s pattern for spotting “the LORD’s doing” • God’s sovereign fingerprints run through all history (Isaiah 46:9-10; Daniel 2:21). • He weaves even human evil into redemptive outcomes (Genesis 50:20; Acts 2:23). • Believers are assured that “in all things God works for the good of those who love Him” (Romans 8:28). Marks of God’s hand in everyday events 1. Alignment with His written word • God never contradicts Himself (Psalm 119:160). • Answers to prayer, open doors, or blockades that steer us toward obedience display His authorship. 2. Advancement of Christ’s kingdom • “We are His workmanship…for good works, which God prepared beforehand” (Ephesians 2:10). • Gospel opportunities, repentant hearts, and growing holiness trace back to the Spirit’s initiative. 3. Providences too timely to dismiss • “A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps” (Proverbs 16:9). • Unplanned encounters, needed resources arriving “just then,” or protective delays often signal His orchestration. 4. Outcomes that exceed human capacity • “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit” (Zechariah 4:6). • When results dwarf the effort or skill invested, wonder at the Source. 5. Sustained fruit and peace • “The blessing of the LORD enriches, and He adds no sorrow to it” (Proverbs 10:22). • Long-term stability, joy, and righteousness evidence genuine divine activity. Practical steps to discern His work • Saturate the mind with Scripture; familiarity with His voice sharpens recognition (John 10:27). • Pray for illumination; He delights to show His ways (Psalm 25:4-5). • Compare notes with mature believers; counsel confirms impressions (Proverbs 11:14). • Keep a record of providences; hindsight often uncovers patterns of grace. • Respond with obedience; clarity usually follows surrender (John 7:17). Guardrails against misreading circumstances • Avoid superstition; not every coincidence is a sign. • Test impressions against the whole counsel of God (1 John 4:1). • Remember suffering can equally be “the LORD’s doing” for refinement (Hebrews 12:6-11; John 9:3). • Refuse fatalism; God’s sovereignty never excuses passivity (Philippians 2:12-13). Marvel, don’t merely analyze Recognizing the divine hand should lead to worship, confidence, and testimony. Like the psalmist, let every providence move us to proclaim, “This is from the LORD; it is marvelous in our eyes.” |
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