Have You Lost the Wonder?

When is the last time you were caught up in wonder? When is the last time you were overwhelmed with an exciting surprise?
As a kid I would get so excited when Christmas drew near. I could hardly sleep, let alone think about anything else due to my curiosity and excitement for what Christmas morning would bring.
Can you remember what that was like? It seems like 50 years ago for me. 
Wasn’t that so much fun? As a dad it was especially fun when my kids were little to see the excitement on their faces as they stared at the Christmas tree decorations and wondered what gifts they would be receiving.
As much fun as that is for us, those bursts of excitement are only temporary aren’t they? I mean I can remember some presents I received as a kid being the coolest thing ever, but then a couple weeks later, they had lost their shine to them. What started out as the best thing ever now had become just another thing cluttering up my toy box. I can remember how excited I was when I got an Atari with Pac Man, Donkey Kong (even though it only had three levels that played over and over), and of course Space Invaders, for Christmas. It was the coolest thing ever. Eventually though, it became obsolete and I lost interest.
In my life I have seen this pattern continue even into adulthood. If I only had that new house, or car, or latest technology, then I would be happy. If I only had the new clothes more money, or expensive furniture for the house, that would make me happy right? Not exactly. It was like trying to put a large puzzle together and not having all the pieces together to finish it. I hate that don’t you? In fact, just like it was as little kid the things I thought would fill a void in my life and bring me happiness were only temporary highs for me. I even used drugs and alcohol as a way to fill the void of loneliness, fear and anxiety in my life. That not only didn’t work, it created even more damage in my life.
I am learning thru my relationship with Jesus Christ that there is nothing in this world that can fill the void of loneliness, fear, anxiety, hopelessness, etc. Only Jesus Christ can fully and completely fill that void in my life. I have so much more joy in my life when I am seeking Him and not the things of the past that didn’t even come close to filling the void in my heart. When I seek him, every day can be a day of joy, wonder and hope. When I seek him it makes me a better dad, husband, and leader in life.
I Chronicles 16:12 reads “…remember the wonders He has done…” In the Message version verses 9-12 read,
“Thank GOD! Call out his Name!
Tell the whole world who he is and what he's done!
Sing to him! Play songs for him!
Broadcast all his wonders!
Revel in his holy Name,
GOD-seekers, be jubilant!
Study GOD and his strength,
seek his presence day and night;
Remember all the wonders he performed,
the miracles and judgments that came out of his mouth.”

What if this Christmas became the start of all of us waking up each and every day with the same wonder of that of a child on Christmas morning? The thing that I need to remember is that Christmas is a big part of the story. Had Christ not been born He never would have grown to a man to pay the ultimate sacrifice for me. A baby born for a purpose to live a life on earth, feel the pains we feel and ultimately pay a big price and sacrifice for me. How can we possibly have consistent wonder daily let alone on Christmas as an adult? I must focus on the Cross and what He did for me. I Chron says, “Study God and His strength, seek His presence day and night.”
Wow, you mean if I study Him thru His Word and seek His presence day and night, I too can experience His wonder?
As you approach this Christmas season and going into the New Year, keep a child like faith and approach each day with wonder and hunger. Allow Him to surprise you with His love, wisdom and faithfulness. He will knock your socks off with His big love and hope. Surprise as defined in Webster’s dictionary: to strike or experience a sudden feeling of wonder or astonishment as though unexpected. Look up at Him, your Father and see His bigness.Are you astonished by His love and wonder today? If not, my encouragement to you friend is to study Him and seek Him. I promise He has the strength, willingness, and ability to fill any and all voids in your life. He has the power and desire to give us happiness no matter what we have or what we may be going through.
Thank Him today for the surprises and wonders He has done in your life. He is worthy to be praised.

Is 9:6-7 "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this."

Merry Christmas friend! May this next year truly be a Christ filled “Christ Happy” New Year.

Come see us Friday Night! We would love to point you to the One full of wonder, hope, love and surprise.
Rodney Holmstrom

For information about Celebrate Recovery contact Rodney at 479-659-3679 or roholmstrom@fellowshipnwa.org