Devotion: How Did We Get Here?
Please take the time to read Luke 7:1-10
What has happened to those lazy, carefree days of summer when we used to enjoy the warm summer breeze on our faces and picnic with our loved ones? It used to be that way, but not anymore. The last five years have families running at breakneck speed to get to all of their activities and events. AAA reports that there is more traffic on the highways and in the air than ever before. It seems we are trying to make up for lost time after COVID. And we contemplate: Where’s the joy? Where is the wonder that God has created for us to enjoy in His world? Where are the quiet moments that draw us closer to our Creator?
Pastor Michelle pointed out in Sunday’s scripture found in Luke that the Roman centurion, a Roman army officer in charge of 100 men, had faith in Jesus that He would heal his servant. He didn’t expect Him to come to His house but he had great confidence in Jesus that He could help his servant. The centurion had great faith in Jesus’s power and trusted in Him. When Jesus heard this He was amazed at the centurion’s faith and said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.”
Our God is a God of awe and wonder and He daily walks with us. My Grace Group recently studied a book about holy moments. A holy moment is when I set all aside and open myself up to God. It is intentional and a choice. If I can slow down and get off life’s hectic merry-go-round, I can find the joy in a breathtaking sunset or savor the fragrance of a refreshing rain.
We often sing, ”Oh Lord, my God, when I in awesome wonder, Consider all the worlds Thy hands hath made, I see the stars, the rolling thunder, Thy pow’r throughout the universe display…”
When was the last time we stood in awesome wonder of God’s creation? When did we last stand in wonder of the myriad millions of stars in the night sky? Has our busyness blinded us to how great our God is? Have our overcommitted lives diluted the wonder we have in our God? In the coming weeks, I pray that we pause and rediscover our awesome God. “How great thou art!”
Great and Mighty God,
Slow me down, Lord, that I might see your mighty works and glorify you. Guide me to brush aside my own self interests and eliminate those distractions that steal my joy in you. Cultivate the wonder in my heart that I am seeking and the awe filled moments that draw me near to you.
All this we pray in your holy name, Amen.
Written by Janece Nelson
Janece and husband, Mike, have been members of Sheridan for more than twelve years. Janece is a retired mathematics instructor teaching at the middle school and college level. They are blessed with two children and three grandchildren.
Janece finds her greatest joy in spending time with her family and friends. Her passion is writing devotions for patients in hospitals and rehabs she sees every Monday as a Sheridan hospital visitor. As a Teammate she also mentors girls at Boys Town. Janece credits Faith Builders and Companions in Christ for her spiritual growth.