Wonder More at God—Ponder His Word
“Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10
As we step into 2026, our lives remain full—notifications, schedules, opinions, noise.
Yet the call of Scripture has not changed. God still invites His people to wonder at who He is and to ponder what He has spoken.
Not to skim.
Not to scroll.
But to pause, to behold, and to be transformed.
Recovering a Lost Posture: Holy Wonder
Wonder is not childish curiosity. It is reverent attention.
Scripture repeatedly shows God’s people stopping in awe when they truly see Him.
“Who is like you, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?” — Exodus 15:11
Wonder reminds us that God is not manageable, predictable, or small.
When wonder fades, worship becomes routine, and obedience becomes reluctant.
But when wonder is restored, faith is renewed.
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom…” — Proverbs 9:10
Holy wonder reorients us. It lifts our eyes from ourselves and places them firmly on the greatness of God.
Pondering: A Discipline of the Heart
To ponder God’s Word is to linger over it—to turn it over in the mind and press it into the heart.
Pondering is slow by design. It resists the urge to rush past truth in search of novelty.
Instead, it asks:
- What does this reveal about God?
- What does this expose in me?
- How should this shape the way I live today?
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night.” — Joshua 1:8
In an age of constant input,
Biblical meditation is a countercultural act of faith
Why This Matters in 2026
The coming year will bring its share of uncertainty—globally, culturally, and personally. Scripture does not promise ease, but it does promise stability for those rooted in God’s truth.
“And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth his fruit in his season…” — Psalm 1:3
Wonder anchors us in who God is.
Pondering anchors us in what God says.
Together, they guard us from shallow faith and spiritual drift.
Practical Ways to Wonder and Ponder This Year
1. Begin with Scripture Before Screens
Before checking the news or social media, read a short passage of Scripture.
Ask God to reveal His character before the world shapes your perspective.
“Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.” — Psalm 119:18
2. Read Slowly, Not Widely
The noise of the world fades when we linger over the truth of Scripture.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.
— Helen Howarth Lemmel
Choose depth over volume.
Sit with one psalm, one paragraph, or even one verse.
Read it aloud.
Rewrite it.
Pray it back to God.
3. Practice Scripture-Filled Prayer
Let God’s Word guide your prayers. Respond to Scripture with praise, confession, thanksgiving, and petition.
“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish…” — John 15:7
4. Cultivate Awe Together
Talk about what you’re learning—with your family, your ABF, your children, your grandchildren.
Wonder grows when it is shared.
“One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts…” — Psalm 145:4
5. Obey What You See
Pondering always leads somewhere.
When God’s Word convicts or directs, respond in obedience.
“Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” — James 1:22
A Prayer for the Year Ahead
Lord, slow our hearts.
Teach us to wonder again at Your holiness, Your mercy, and Your power. Root us deeply in Your Word so that we are not shaken by the noise around us. As we ponder what You have spoken, shape us into faithful, joyful, obedient people—for Your glory. Amen.
“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!” — Romans 11:33
May 2026 be marked not by haste, but by holy wonder and thoughtful obedience as we ponder the living Word of our living God.