Question 1

Why might someone not be amazed when understanding God and his works?

Accepted Answer

Romans 1:20-23Ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools. And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people and birds and animals and reptiles.All people can be amazed at God’s work in nature and in their lives, but sinful self-centeredness takes their eyes off God and onto themselves. This results in confusion.Numbers 11:4-6Then the foreign rabble who were traveling with the Israelites began to crave the good things of Egypt. And the people of Israel also began to complain. “Oh, for some meat!” they exclaimed. “We remember the fish we used to eat for free in Egypt. And we had all the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic we wanted. But now our appetites are gone. All we ever see is this manna!”As the Israelites were wandering in the wilderness, God provided daily food for them in the form of manna from the sky—amazing! But they soon took this food for granted and began to complain about it. We may think, rightfully, that they were blind to God and his goodness, but we do the same when we take God’s gifts for granted. Instead of being amazed at all he does for us and gives to us, we, like the ancient Israelites, often complain, overlooking God’s gracious gifts and asking for more.

Question 2

How can I capture or recapture a sense of amazement about God?

Accepted Answer

Psalm 19:1-2The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known.Psalm 77:14You are the God of great wonders! You demonstrate your awesome power among the nations.Habakkuk 3:2I have heard all about you, Lord. I am filled with awe by your amazing works.Pay attention to the stories of others. God is doing amazing work everywhere. And we can remember the quiet miracles that take place each day: the birth of a baby, a beautiful sunset, close friends, a feeling of joy in the midst of overwhelming circumstances. Being in awe of God over these “small” miracles prepares our hearts to experience even more amazing acts of God and gifts from him. We can listen to how God has amazed others and add those amazing events to our own lists. The more we look for evidence of God’s work, the more amazed we will be.

Amazement