My devotional this week does not have a direct connection with our study this morning about not loving this present world system (1 John 2:15-17), but at the same time, it is the very essence of how we overcome this present world system. Only a greater love for God can enable us to overcome the attraction and allurements of the world.
In Job 37:14 we read, “Stand still and consider the wondrous works of God.” It is as if we are being told by Scripture to consider and breathe in the wonders of God. And there is the classic passage in the Psalms which tells us, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). No wonder the Scriptures say so much about meditating on the Lord (Psalm 104:34) and His holy word (Psalm 119:97). How important it is for us to take the time and make the time to reflect on nothing but the Lord (Psalm 63:6) and His wonderful work in our lives (Psalm 77:12; Philippians 2:13).
The works of the Lord are a cause of wonder (Acts 3:6-10). The gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ is a message that is so good that it was prophesied that when it was proclaimed, it would be a cause of great wonder (Acts 13:40-41) because it would seem too good to be true. Repeatedly in Scripture we are called to marvel at God’s creation (Psalm 8, 19:1- 6) and how it declares unto us His faithfulness (Jeremiah 31:35-37). What does that have to do with overcoming the world? Everything.
When we behold the wonder of the cross, we discover God’s incredible love for us (1 John 4:10) and forgiveness of all our sin (Ephesians 1:7). We also realize that the cross is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16,17) and sanctification (Galatians 6:14). So make and take the time each day to breathe in the wonder of the Lord. Spend time alone with Him; meditate on His Word day and night (Psalm 1:1-3). Our God only does wondrous things (Psalm 72:18), and the wonder of Christ and His glorious gospel far surpasses any fleeting pleasures of this world!
