The beauty of South Africa stirred awe and wonder within my soul. God surely demonstrated His great creativity as He designed the mountains, shore line, and inhabitants of this country.
The people of Cape Town offered sweet hospitality, low clouds often enveloped the city, and a variety of foods satisfied hungry stomachs. And, at Boulders Beach, the adorable African penguins mesmerized onlookers visiting the southern tip of the continent.
I found myself stunned with the grandeur of God as I walked the perimeter of Table Mountain. The awesome beauty of the scene overwhelmed me.
Table Mountain is an iconic rock formation that towers above Cape Town. From a distance it literally resembles a very large table. Up close the terrain of the mountain reveals solid rock, low growing shrubs with delicate flowers, and even some small trees.
From the top of the mountain my eyes looked south, towards the ends of the earth. I stared as the ocean appeared to extend forever. Nearby mountains seemed small and the town near the ocean shore looked like small squares of color. I gazed in wonder of our great and mighty God.
Although from a distance Table Mountain looks like a singular rock, in reality, the mountain formation includes valleys between crevices, and many paths leading to separate rock outcroppings.
I noticed a few friends on a nearby outcropping of rock and was struck by how small they appeared. As I took in the scope of the mountain and the size of human beings, the Spirit moved me to tears.
God is so great and mighty! I reflected upon the grandeur of God and in this moment my gaze lifted to God with thanksgiving. I sat stunned when I considered God’s intention with creation and how much more He is, as Creator. Words seemed inadequate to express the amazement within me.
Grandeur – splendor and impressiveness
Reflect upon a moment when you became aware of the greatness of God. Thank God for His mighty power and gentle peace.
Psalm 8:3-4 – When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?
As I reflected on this experience I realized that unintentionally I had let the truth of the greatness of God shrink. I recognized that inadvertently I had diminished the mighty and awesome character of God, rather that live with the dissonance between His grandeur and the small nature of humanity. Atop Table Mountain my perspective of God shifted within my inner being when humbled before our vast, incomprehensible, and extravagant God.
Would it be helpful to sit or stand in wonder over the greatness of God? Have you unknowingly set limitations upon God or devalued His mighty eminence?
I understand that God uses people in amazing ways and intimately engages with humanity as His image bearers to share the Gospel. He loves humankind and welcomes the surrender of His followers to His transforming power within the soul. I praise His holy name that God invites each of us to be a part in His grand story. Yet, for this time in my journey, God appeared to want to expand my view of Himself.
The land near the tip of South Africa also carries the name The Cape of Good Hope. When looking out from Table Mountain, my mind and heart noticed the good hope we have in God because of His character and attributes. Because of the nature of God throughout all eternity, we live with steadfast hope. The greatness of God reveals the goodness of God. Hope bubbles in the soul as we remember the mighty and awesome nature of God, for nothing is impossible for Him. He offers hope through His presence, provision, and passion for us.
In what ways does living into the grandeur of God lead to the experience of His goodness and offer of hope?
Looking out at the expanse of God’s creation led me to praise. Engage ABC praise by remembering God’s character and/or attributes for each letter of the alphabet – A – awesome, B – beautiful, C – creator, D – defender, E – eternal, ……. Or, take a peaceful walk through creation noticing the colors, sounds, smells, and textures of the creativity of God and experience His grandeur. Another alternative way for praise might be to look at your friends and family differently because they bear the imprint of God himself. The beauty and complexity of people speak of the majesty of God. Praise the Lord.
Pay attention to the stirring in your soul as you recount the magnificence and splendor of God.
Psalm 24:1-2, 10 – The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters…Who is he, this King of glory?The Lord Almighty— he is the King of glory.
Live in awe of the grandeur of God and notice His goodness to you and all humanity. Lift your voice with thankfulness as you recount the qualities of God.
As you remember our great and mighty God, may your soul soar with hope, joy, and peace.
Romans 15:13 – May the God of all hope fill you with joy and peace as you trust Him, so that you overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
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Drips from the Word: Muse about these Bible verses. Let these truths impact your living.
1 Chronicles 29:11 – Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.
Isaiah 55:9 – “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.
Splashes from the Spigot: Drink from deep wells. Read these recommended books to fill your soul.
Tony Evans. Our God is Awesome: Encountering the Greatness of Our God (Understanding God Series). Chicago, IL. 2002.
Daniel I. Block. For the Glory of God: Recovering a Biblical Theology of Worship. Grand Rapids, MI. 2016.
Sprinklings of Truth: Soak in meaningful songs. Check out these music videos to lift up your spirit.
Christ Tomlin. How Great is Our God. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBD18rsVJHk
Matt Redman. All Glory. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SO–FPRremM
Puddles for Prayer: Thank you for praying for upcoming travel and speaking engagements.
October 21 – Littleton, CO
Breathe Retreat (A two hour spiritual retreat for women) – Join us. Email me for more information.October 25 – Littleton, CO
Front Range Christian School Elementary Staff Meeting