When Does the Normal Become Spectacular?

Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; sing praises on the harp to our God, who covers the heavens with clouds, who prepares rain for the earth, who makes grass to grow on the mountains. He gives to the beast its food, and to the young ravens that cry. (Psalm 147:7–9)

Today’s big question: when does the normal become spectacular?

Every morning you awake to a new day. The sun rises, the grass grows, the air is breathable, and the world is sustained. It is easy to take these blessings for granted instead of being daily amazed. In today’s text we hear some of the same sorts of wonders that God asked Job about in a series of rhetorical questions (See Job 38–40). God helped Job understand the absurdity of questioning the omnipotent God who created and sustains everything in the universe. The things we see and take for granted are the very things God used to provoke Job to consider his own limitations in the light of the unlimited God. His power should lead us to boast in awe of our Creator.

God provides for every little thing that lives, breathes, and moves. God sends the rain and feeds the birds. He keeps the earth spinning and orbiting the sun and gives us our next breath. The providence of God is something we see around us all the time. Rather than overlooking His kind provision, we should praise Him.

Psalm 103:19 tells us that God’s kingdom rules over all. His providence doesn’t just extend to feeding birds and sending rain. He upholds His creation and all that happens within it. He is the ultimate Ruler. Therefore, we should praise God when considering verses such as Isaiah 45:7. “I make peace and create calamity; I, the Lord, do all these things.” God is not just the God of rain but also of drought, and He even works out difficult circumstances “for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). His pure and holy purpose is above ours (Isaiah 55:8–9).

When we think of the wonderful aspects of God’s providence, we cannot help but think of the depth and wonder of His wisdom that is far beyond ours. He sees and knows all things including the future. He rules our world, provides for our world, and works according to His own glory.

Even more astounding is that He is a relational God who loves us and even came to die for us. God is so far above us that we should kneel and praise Him in humble adoration.

Today’s big idea: God is spectacularly big over all things, including the things we see as normal. Praise Him.

What to pray: thank God that He is in control. Praise Him.