Ponder Anew – Week One

Long after the song was over, the phrase repeated in my mind, “Ponder anew what the Almighty can do.” While the hymn Praise to the Lord, the Almighty has long been familiar to me, God recently used the words to touch my heart and open my eyes. As I sang these words aloud with the group, an invitation resonated in my spirit. It was time. Time to pause. Time to open my eyes. Time to ponder who my God is and what He can do.

I don’t know about you, but recently my heart has been heavy. From the conflict in Ukraine, the ongoing turmoil in Myanmar, and other world crises, to the burdens within my circle of family and friends, it is easy to feel helpless to make a difference. There are days when I wonder what God is doing, why He seems to be silent, and if my prayers matter. 

But God used the simple lyrics of this song to redirect my focus. The challenge to ponder invites us to slow down and think deeply. The word anew implies going back to what we already know. The Oxford Languages defines it as “in a new or different and typically more positive way.” 

We often know the truth, but we have forgotten its power. We get caught up in what is happening in front of us or swirling in our minds. Slowing down and renewing our minds helps us recall what we know and focus on God. And it also allows us to apply that truth at a deeper level. 

In the book of Lamentations, the prophet Jeremiah gives us an example of this practice. He describes his situation, “See, O LORD, for I am in distress; my spirit is greatly troubled; my heart is overturned within me.” (Lamentations 1:20 NASB). It seems everywhere Jeremiah turns, he is faced with pain and suffering. God seems absent along with happiness and peace (3:17-18).

Yet, somehow, in his sorrow, Jeremiah makes a turn. He changes the direction of his thoughts and focuses on the character of God. Listen to his words, 

“This I recall to mind, 
Therefore I have hope. 
The LORD’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, 
For His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning; 
Great is Your faithfulness. 
‘The LORD is my portion,’ says my soul, 
‘Therefore I have hope in Him.’
The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, 
To the person who seeks Him.” 
Lamentations 3:21-25

Like Jeremiah, God was calling me to redirect my thoughts and take time to consider – what can the Almighty do? 

Here are a few things I jotted down as I reflected:

• He can make the sun stand still (Joshua 10:12-14)
• He has control over the wind and waves (Luke 8:23-25)
• He can create something out of nothing (Colossians 1:16)
• He can raise the dead (John 11:38-44)
• He can transform hard hearts (Ezekiel 36:26)
• He can move the hearts of leaders like water (Proverbs 21:1)
• He can direct my steps (Proverbs 16:9)
• He can speak in a still, small voice (I Kings 19:11-12)
• He can open doors (Revelations 3:8)

What about you? What comes to mind as you “ponder anew what the Almighty can do”? What does God want to refresh and restore in you as you focus on His character and ability?