I watched a National Geographic special this week about the impact of moments of awe on life. The organizers undertook an experiment with retired soldiers who suffered from PTSD and exposed them to such moments near the Artic Circle in Northern Canada. Surrounded by nature and solitude, the six soldiers spent a week in tents, to take time away from the busyness of life. And they found healing from nights watching the aurora borealis, hiking in the quietness of snow packed trails, and standing at the base of awe-inspiring mountain peaks. Upon returning home, each member of the group discovered they slept better and functioned better, with less depression and anxiety.
As the show wrapped up, one expert explained how appreciating these types of moments can benefit each of us. He also recommended that we try to find times for those moments at least a few times of month to help improve our mental health. And I also think we need to spend time in the awesome presence of Almighty God and will experience the same healing for our souls. So, when was the last time you experienced a moment of awe that refreshed your soul?
Ways to Find Moments of Awe
Mother Teresa once said; “God speaks in the silence of the heart.” And I agree and I think the National Geographic show also showed this concept. We need to practice times alone in quiet solitude to find those moments of awe and refreshment. For me, it comes down to finding a quiet spot in nature that allows me to focus on my Heavenly Father with no distractions.
Here are a few things that evoke awe in me:
- Observing sunrises and sunsets.
- Spending time in snowcapped mountains.
- Experiencing the hush of a quiet moment spent in God’s creation.
- Filling my mind with the truth of God’s awesomeness.
- Hearing God speaking to me through His words in the Bible.
- Listening for His small, still voice in my prayers.
- Time spent with family and friends.
Bible Verses to Inspire Awe
In Psalm 19:1 (NIV); “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” So, David shows what inspires his awe moment. I imagine he spent hours looking up at the sky and thinking about all that God made and gains an understanding of his vast power and majesty.
In Psalm 66:3 (NIV); “Say to God, how awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you.” Again, David shows us to that we should think deeply about who God is and what he’s done. When you comprehend God is the King of King, and the creator of the universe, how can you not stand in awe that we can call him friend?
Seek Something Different
“The world will never starve for want of wonders, only for want of wonder,” G. K. Chesterton. And without the wonder, it’s easy for Christians today to have a well-versed knowledge of Scripture but an empty and hollow practical faith. It feels like we lost our sense of marvel for the world and for our Savior and then we ponder why so many become disenchanted within the church. So, we need to put the awe back into our faith. And when we see God with a genuine sense of awe, we understand his awesomeness and our faith awakens. And with it, our churches become alive, filled with joy and hope that attracts others.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father. Instill in me a sense of awe for who you are and for all you have created. And please help me make time to reflect on you. Guide my eyes to see the beauty all around me, tune my ears to hear the whispers of your sweet voice, and direct my voice to share your wonders with those around me. Because I want to live a life filled with awe moments. In Jesus’ most holy name. Amen.
Grace and Peace to you,
Yvonne M. Morgan is a Christian #author, #blogger, and #speaker. #BibleGatewayPartner
Matthew 28:19 “Therefore, GO and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
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