Ponder?
“Ponder” is a word that is not often heard these days. I vaguely remember my Mamaw using the word in the context of “I need to ponder that awhile.” As a child, I don’t think I really knew what she was referring to when she said it.
According to Webster’s, “ponder” means “to weigh in the mind, to think about or reflect on or to consider quietly, soberly, and deeply.”
Pondering is not something I do often. I’m unsure if many of us “ponder” any more. We are usually too busy to set aside time to “ponder.” Instead I worry and fret as I go about my day. In my mind, I rehearse every case scenario of any situation or relationship and usually end up exhausted about what could happen. The “what ifs” in life lead me down a path of anxiety.
This rarely used word came to my attention recently during worship one Sunday morning. The praise leader led us in an updated version by Shane and Shane of the ancient hymn, Praise to the Lord, originally written by Joachim Neader in 1863.
As I sang the phrase “Ponder anew what the Almighty can do,” I began to examine my heart.
When was the last time I pondered anew what God can do instead of worrying and fretting?
Here are a few of my ponderings:
He spoke into existence every glorious sunset and sunrise, the powerful ocean waves, the majestic mountains.
He created man and woman in His image.
He delivered the Israelites when they were in bondage to the Egyptians.
He gave His only Son as a ransom for my sin.
He healed the lame, the blind, and raised people from the dead.
He rose from the dead on the third day and conquered sin and death.
He forgives me when I’m at my worst.
He loves me unconditionally.
He heals relationships.
He restores me daily.
As I pondered all God has done and can do… create, deliver, forgive, heal, conquer, love and restore… my faith was built. My hope was renewed that God can heal that relationship, conquer sin in my life, and advance His Kingdom in a world that is so terribly broken.
In Psalm 64:9-10 David declares, “…they tell what God has brought about and ponder what he has done. Let the righteous one rejoice in the Lord and take refuge in him!” (ESV)
Choose today to “ponder anew what the Almighty can do.” Stop worrying and start “pondering.”
