Wired for Wonder: Embracing Faith Amidst Life's Storms

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Equality as Divine Design

In recognizing the inherent dignity and worth of every individual, one is called to see others through the lens of God's love and creative intent. This perspective challenges believers to actively pursue justice and equality, reflecting the image of God in which all are made. It is a call to honor the legacy of those who fought for civil rights and to continue their work in today's world. [22:38]

James 2:8-9 - "If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, 'Love your neighbor as yourself,' you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers."
Reflection: How can you actively work to recognize and honor the image of God in those who are different from you?

Day 2: Trusting in the Calm Amidst the Storm

The story of Jesus calming the storm serves as a powerful reminder that God's sovereignty extends over all creation, including the tumultuous circumstances of life. Believers are invited to trust in His power, which brings peace beyond understanding. This trust challenges one to respond to life's storms with faith, knowing that God's voice commands even the winds and the waves. [45:03]

Mark 4:39-40 - "He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, 'Quiet! Be still!' Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, 'Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?'"
Reflection: What storms are you facing in life right now, and how can you invite Jesus to bring His peace into those situations?

Day 3: The Clarity of Christ in Chaos

The hymn "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" encourages believers to focus on Christ for perspective amidst life's chaos. While problems may persist, the presence of Jesus and the knowledge of His power offer comfort and a sense of wonder that can transcend earthly concerns. This focus is a practice of faith, aligning one's vision with the eternal rather than the temporal. [46:17]

Hebrews 12:2 - "Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Reflection: In what ways can you shift your focus to Jesus when faced with overwhelming problems?

Day 4: Slowing Down to Savor God's Splendor

The fast pace of modern life often leads to 'hurry sickness,' which can rob one of the ability to experience wonder. Recognizing the symptoms of this condition is the first step towards creating space to marvel at God's works. Slowing down allows for a deeper appreciation of the majesty and faithfulness of God in both creation and daily life. [29:17]

Ecclesiastes 4:6 - "Better one handful with tranquillity than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind."
Reflection: What are some practical ways you can slow down this week to become more aware of God's presence and works around you?

Day 5: Cultivating Wonder in the Mundane

Intentionally seeking moments of awe in the everyday can be a powerful antidote to worry. By appreciating the vastness of God's creation and His works, one's focus shifts from anxiety to the grandeur of His plan. This pursuit of wonder fosters peace and purpose, grounding believers in the reality of God's invincible power. [49:34]

Psalm 111:2 - "Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them."
Reflection: Identify a routine part of your day. How can you approach it with a sense of wonder, looking for God's hand at work?

Sermon Summary

In the exploration of the theme "Wired for Wonder," the focus is on the transformative power of wonder in the face of worry and hurry that often dominate our lives. The discussion begins with an acknowledgment of the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and the ongoing struggle for equality, emphasizing the Christian belief that all people are created in the image of God with inherent dignity, value, and worth. This belief extends to the conviction that everyone is loved by God and offered salvation through Jesus Christ.

The conversation then shifts to the nature of God's power and character, as illustrated through the prophet Habakkuk's dialogue with God. Habakkuk's questions and God's responses reveal a God who is not overwhelmed by the natural elements or the injustices of the world but is instead capable of restoring creation to its proper place. This is further exemplified by the New Testament account of Jesus calming a storm, demonstrating His authority over nature and inviting wonder into the lives of His followers.

The narrative continues with a reflection on the enduring nature of hymns, particularly "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus," which serves as a reminder of the power of focusing on Jesus to gain perspective on earthly concerns. The hymn suggests that while problems may not disappear, the presence of Jesus and the knowledge of His power can provide comfort and a sense of wonder.

The discussion also delves into the concept of God's faithfulness, as seen through the history of Israel and the life and ministry of Jesus. The idea is that no matter how challenging life's circumstances may be, God's faithfulness is greater, and His invincible power is a source of wonder. This is juxtaposed with the discovery of a second supercluster in the universe, which underscores the vastness and mystery of God's creation.

The concept of "hurry sickness," a term coined by cardiologists to describe an unhealthy pace of life, is introduced as a modern affliction that can prevent individuals from experiencing wonder. The symptoms of hurry sickness, such as constant rushing and emotional numbness, are contrasted with the idea of "flow," a state of deep immersion and focus that allows for a greater appreciation of God's majesty.

The narrative concludes with an encouragement to combat worry and hurry with the wonder of God's power in creation. The suggestion is to seek wonder in everyday life, whether through nature, routine, or the pursuit of understanding God's capacity. The example of a podcast discussing the resurgence of belief in God serves as a testament to the enduring power of faith and hope.

Key Takeaways

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Bible Reading

Habakkuk 3:2-6 (ESV) — > "O Lord, I have heard the report of you, and your work, O Lord, do I fear. In the midst of the years revive it; in the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy. God came from Teman, and the Holy One from Mount Paran. His splendor covered the heavens, and the earth was full of his praise. His brightness was like the light; rays flashed from his hand; and there he veiled his power. Before him went pestilence, and plague followed at his heels. He stood and measured the earth; he looked and shook the nations; then the eternal mountains were scattered; the everlasting hills sank low. His were the everlasting ways."

2. Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV)
> "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

3. Mark 4:39-41 (ESV)
> "And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, 'Peace! Be still!' And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, 'Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?' And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, 'Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?'"

Observation Questions

What does Habakkuk acknowledge about God's power and character in Habakkuk 3:2-6?
How does Isaiah 55:8-9 describe the difference between God's thoughts and ways compared to ours?
In Mark 4:39-41, what was Jesus' response to the storm, and how did the disciples react? [44:26]
According to the sermon, what is the concept of "hurry sickness," and how does it affect our ability to experience wonder? [29:17]

Interpretation Questions

How does Habakkuk's vision of God's power in Habakkuk 3:2-6 help him to trust in God's plan despite not fully understanding it? [30:26]
What does Isaiah 55:8-9 suggest about our ability to comprehend God's plans and actions? How should this influence our response to life's challenges?
How does the story of Jesus calming the storm in Mark 4:39-41 illustrate God's sovereignty over creation and invite us to trust in His power? [45:03]
How can recognizing the symptoms of "hurry sickness" help us to slow down and create space for experiencing God's wonder? [29:17]

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed by worry. How might focusing on God's power and faithfulness, as described in Habakkuk 3:2-6, change your perspective? [30:26]
Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us that God's ways are higher than ours. How can you practice trusting God's plan in a current situation where you feel uncertain or anxious?
The disciples were amazed by Jesus' authority over the storm. How can you apply this story to a "storm" in your own life, trusting that Jesus has the power to bring peace? [45:03]
Identify one symptom of "hurry sickness" that you experience regularly. What practical steps can you take this week to slow down and make room for wonder? [29:17]
The sermon mentioned the hymn "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus." How can you incorporate this practice of focusing on Jesus into your daily routine to gain perspective on your earthly concerns? [46:17]
How can you intentionally seek moments of wonder in your everyday life, whether through nature, routine, or understanding God's capacity? Share a specific example you plan to pursue this week. [47:25]
The sermon discussed the resurgence of belief in God as a testament to faith and hope. How can you share this sense of wonder and hope with someone in your life who may be struggling with doubt or worry? [48:31]

Sermon Clips

1) "Flow is a concept of being so immersed in something that your intrusive thoughts and self-critique fade, giving you greater freedom in the moment." [35:21 ]

2) "No matter the problem, no matter the pain, no matter the injustice, this God is ushering in his kingdom in your world and in the world." [35:55 ]

3) "So much of our wonder is worried away because the worry itself isolates us. We convince ourselves that no one can help, no one can understand." [49:34 ]

4) "If worry can keep you from wonder, I have really good news: Wonder can keep you from worry." [51:10 ]

5) "The Wonder of God is bigger than the worries of our lives, but if we never look at him, we will never see it." [47:25 ]

6) "God's heart breaks for the injustices in our life, God's heart breaks for what's breaking yours, but it doesn't break him." [43:18 ]

7) "The vision from Habakkuk is one of an infinitely invincible God... God's faithfulness is still greater." [41:31 ]

8) "The heavens declare the glories of God... maybe one of the reasons that the Universe exists in a vast nature so that as we look at it we might see the character and nature of God." [42:43 ]

9) "Habakkuk had to begin giving up getting even... we're just seeing him surrender the poison of trying to do that on his own and letting God be the one that does the work to make it right." [38:35 ]

10) "At the root of the hurry is a false sense of control and a desire to maximize our own influence while ignoring the influence and impact of the kind of God that Habakkuk is describing." [33:52 ]

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