February 23

Written by Bill Grandi on February 23rd, 2021

One of the more well known worship songs probably of the past decade or two has been “God of Wonders.” God of Wonders beyond our galaxy, You are holy, holy/The Universe declares Your majesty, You are holy, holy.” Although it is not one of my favorites, I can appreciate the sentiment it is trying to project.

“The heavens declare the glory of God and the earth shows His handiwork. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make Him known.” Psalm 19: 1-2

“I love you, Lord; you are my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my Savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.” Psalm 18: 1-2

“O Lord,our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth! Your glory is higher than the heavens.” Psalm 8:1

Verse after verse of God’s magnificence fills the pages of Psalms. I found it interesting then as I was reading Psalm 44 this morning the dichotomy and questioning which appears. What do you think?

“I do not trust in my bow; I do not count on my sword to save me. You are the One who gives us victory over our enemies; you disgrace those who hate us. O God, we give glory to you all day long and constantly praise your name.” (44: 6-8)

That’s all well and good. It sounds great! That’s the God we know and love. But verse 9 throws a wrench in the whole works: “But now you have tossed us aside in dishonor…” The rest of the chapter (verses 9-16) is filled with lament and feelings of abandonment.

High to low. Point: whether He is the God who is One of wonders and amazes us, or if He is the God who appears far away, He is still the same God. He is no less God when times are tough as He is when He is amazing us with His goodness.

“Father, You are God on both sides of the coin. You never change. Help to praise you no matter the circumstances.”

All Scripture is New Living Translation.

 

4 Comments so far ↓

  1. Ryan S says:

    There are definitely times that I have felt abandoned… There are more time that I have chosen to abandon.
    I think it goes back to love and commitment are not based on feelings.
    Whether it be with our spouse, our children, our friends, or our God…
    There will be seasons where we must push through knowing that tomorrow will bring a new day. Easier said than done in some cases, but knowing that God’s love is perfect and not based on circumstances or expectations helps me make it through.

    • Bill Grandi says:

      I will readily admit there have been times I, too, have felt abandoned. Alone. Forgotten. Like you say, I am so glad love and commitment are not based on feelings. I’m glad God’s love and commitment to me are not based on feelings. I would be in a world of hurt. When I get that way, I have to remind myself that today is Friday but Sunday is coming!

  2. God is the same today and forever, Bill, whether we feel close to Him or not. We need to trust in Him for all our needs.
    Blessings!