I’ve been reading in the book of Acts. Oh, how I love the book of Acts!
It’s amazing to see how the frightened disciples found in John 18–19 are transformed into the courageous world changers they become in the book of Acts. Only the power of the Holy Spirit can do that! Right?!
During this early season of the church’s life, we see again and again how the early believers were filled with awe and wonder. I love that! Perhaps that was true for you when you first came to Christ. You were so excited that you were filled with awe and wonder at what God was doing in your life.
For me, that season of awe and wonder wasn’t when I first came to Christ. I was only a small child when I gave Him my heart. The season of awe and wonder was when I was journeying through cancer. I know! That sounds weird. However, at the same time, I was discovering the power of praising God in my life. Every morning, as I got on my knees to worship and praise God, His presence felt so close. I felt so awed by who He was and so filled with wonder over all He was doing. The Holy Spirit opened my ears so that I knew in my heart when God was speaking.
Is it possible, though, that with the heaviness of your life or the mundane routines of keeping up, some of your awe and wonder has faded? Do you ever consider where it went or how to get it back?
As I’ve considered these first few passages in the book of Acts, they provide some clues for us about how to recapture the sense of awe and wonder we might have had at some point in our spiritual journey.
How to Recapture Awe and Wonder in Your Life
Worship. I know at times I sound like a broken record, but there is absolutely no better practice than praising God to recapture the wonder of who He is. As you praise and worship Him, the Holy Spirit will fill you with an increased awareness of His presence. Try this: Spend the first 20–30 minutes of every morning for the next week just worshipping and praising Jesus. Turn on some worship music, get on your knees if you are able, and let the music prompt your praise. Watch and see how it changes you. You simply can’t praise God and not be changed. Watch the way wonder and awe will refill your soul. You can also incorporate beauty in your worship time. Take a worship walk and allow the beauty and majesty of God’s creation to prompt your praise. Our souls were designed for beauty.
Pray. Part of why the early believers were so filled with awe and wonder was because they devoted themselves to prayer (Acts 2:42). Learn to pray without ceasing, which is basically learning to live life on two levels. On one level, you might be driving the carpool, but on another level, you are asking God to fill you with His Spirit. You might be cooking dinner, but on another level, you are asking God to work in a friend’s life. You might be at a soccer game, but on another level, you are praying over your kids or grandkids. Learn to pray without ceasing if you want to recapture wonder and awe.
Scripture. The Word of God is like honey for our souls (Psalm 119:103). Immerse yourself in God’s Word. Meditate on small bits of Scripture each day. If you’ve never done this before, I suggest starting with the Psalms, which show us how to bring our emotions to God. Also include some of the Gospels, which reveal to us the life of Christ. You can’t go wrong when you meditate on the Word.
Gather. Finally, gather with other like-minded, believing friends. The early church gathered continually, sharing meals, praying together, and encouraging each other’s hearts (Acts 2:46). As they pursued God together, they were filled with wonder and awe. Some of your like-minded friends may not live near you. Pick up the phone—not necessarily to text, but to actually call and pray together on the phone. In this day of sarcasm and snarkiness, we need time with life-giving, sweet friends. We are part of one body, and we cannot live out our spiritual journeys without each other. This is God’s will for you.
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