Counting the Days: December 9, 2025

A Wonder-Working God

Constance J. Pratt
Superintendent, Housekeeping

Read: Psalm 8:3-4

“Only wonder truly knows.”
– Gregory of Nyssa (c. AD 335- c. AD 394)

When was the last time you stopped and appreciated God’s work — nature and all that is in it? At the very least, pause long enough to see the trees, the flowers in their many colors, the streams, the birds, the bees, the mountains, the ocean, the river, and the sea — every detail and every living creature perfectly designed — and marvel at how or why it exists. And then consider the same wonder in the fact that He gave you and me life, and made us in His image.

In Psalm 8:3–4, David asks: “When I observe Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You set in place, what is mankind that You are mindful of them, human beings that You care for them?” Only true wonder can grasp why God made the earth and all that is in it, then formed humanity in His image and entrusted dominion to us. This is stewardship — how we live in response to the gifts of this earth. Shouldn’t this lead us to worship the One who created it all? The thought of holding such an honored place in creation should humble every one of us. His work is described as the work of His fingers, just a small part of the hand — yet consider the immense skill, strength, power, and control behind it.

With conversations today about global warming, the extinction of species, and the destruction of habitats, we may wonder if we have treated the earth as a right rather than a precious gift — more valuable than rubies. Should we not marvel, as David did, at the contrast between the vast wonders of creation beyond our control and the reality that God still attends to us? It may seem odd, but each time I leave campus and travel down busy Ramsey Street, I often look in awe at the trees, the sky, and even the people driving beside me — and whisper to myself: “God did that.” I find myself saying again and again how awesome and beautiful our gifts are.

When my father passed in December 2019, I visited his grave at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery. That space has become a place of peace for me — where life, death, and God’s promises intersect. I have had some of my most honest conversations with God there.

From a posture of awe, wonder, and personal relationship, knowledge of God grows. Seek Him today and experience a wonder-working God.

Prayer: Lord, open our eyes to Your creation so that we may never rush past Your beauty without awe and gratitude. Teach our hearts to worship You—the Creator, Sustainer, and Giver of every good and perfect gift. Amen.