“For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone.”
(Psalm 86:10)
When our eyes behold the grand display and vast expanse of the heavens, and our mind contemplates the infinite beauty, variety, and precise nature of all living things on earth, our soul is compelled toward admiration and worship of the incomprehensible Creator. Creation in all its forms testifies to His eternal power and Godhead, leaving humanity without excuse.
Yet there is a deeper wonder when the eyes of faith are opened by the Spirit through the Word, and the heart is drawn to the Savior. Then the believer exclaims with holy joy, “What a glorious God I serve, who has taken me into His covenant as His child!” Blessed indeed are those who put their trust in such a God, who adore and admire His power, wisdom, and goodness manifested in all things.
The Scriptures repeatedly reveal God as most worthy of praise and worship. Psalm 145:10 declares, “All thy works shall praise thee, O Lord, and thy saints shall bless thee.” Psalm 29:2 exhorts, “Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.” Psalm 66:2 urges, “Sing forth the honor of his name: make his praise glorious.” And our present text, Psalm 86:9-10, promises, “All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord, and shall glorify thy name. For thou art great and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone.”
The Psalms abound in such songs of admiration, even granting voice to creation itself—“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork” (Psalm 19:1). From the greatest to the least, every aspect of creation exceeds human comprehension. The wisdom behind the order of the stars, the care shown in the smallest detail of a flower, and the complexity of the human body all point to the unmatched skill and design of God.
Everything He has made, and all He continues to do—whether in the vast theater of the world or in the intricate details of nature—is for the glorification of His name, the revelation of His character, and the drawing of men to find their satisfaction in Him. These works bear witness to the truth of His Word, confirming what the Scriptures proclaim. To acknowledge His works rightly is to join the psalmist in saying, “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things: thou art God alone” (Psalm 72:18).
Jeremiah Burroughs rightly observed, “God is lifted up here not only above the heathen gods, so that there is none like him amongst them; but he is lifted up above whatever hath any excellency in it; there is none like to thee amongst the mightiest: whoever is mighty and great, or let there be what might and greatness and excellency soever in the world, yet God is infinitely above all.”[1] Such a statement reminds the believer that no comparison can be made between God and even the most exalted of His creatures.
The appropriate response to such truth is a life of adoration, a posture of the heart that bows continually before God, esteeming Him above all else. It is to let the majesty of God’s works, providence, and redemption evoke constant praise.
This adoration is further strengthened by meditation. Consider how the Lord governs the universe with perfect wisdom and power; none can hinder His will. Reflect upon His goodness in revealing Himself through His Word and in the daily mercies of providence. Think on the wonders of redemption, the sending of His Son, and the work of the Spirit in renewing hearts and let these truths become fuel for admiration and worship.
If such a God reigns, should He not reign over the heart? If He rules the stars, should He not rule every thought and action? If He speaks and the earth trembles, should not the believer’s soul be hushed in reverent submission? Indeed, to adore God rightly is to surrender all to Him, trusting that His greatness and goodness shall never fail.
Contemplations:
- The majesty of God. Shall I ever again willfully or carelessly sin against You, Lord, who are of such great Majesty? Shall I doubt the power of Him that made such a world? Shall I honor man above this great and awesome Creator? May I never resist the word and wisdom of Him who made and rules such a world.
- Governor of All. You govern the whole world, Lord. Why then should I not willingly submit to be governed by You in all things?
- The goodness of God. You alone, Lord, possess such goodness that You communicate aspects of Yourself to all creation, and You draw and engage my heart in holy delight.
- The Lord rules with perfect power. “Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands: sing forth the honor of his Name; make his praise glorious. Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works?” (Psalm 66:1-3). I love to behold Your works, Lord, knowing that You rule over all with perfect power and wisdom.
Prayer (adoration)
Almighty and everlasting God, You alone are great and do wondrous things; You are God alone. Before You, all nations, creatures, and powers are as nothing, and yet You have chosen to make Yourself known to those who seek You. I come before You in adoration, acknowledging Your glory in creation, in providence, and in redemption. The heavens above proclaim Your majesty, the earth beneath displays Your wisdom, and every breath I take is a testimony to Your sustaining care.
Forgive me for the times I have failed to admire You as I ought, when I have allowed lesser things to capture my attention and steal my affection. Lift my eyes from the fleeting vanities of this world and fix them upon You, the eternal and unchanging One. Let my heart be overwhelmed with awe at the thought that the God who hung the stars also calls me by name.
Teach me to see Your hand in the ordinary as well as the extraordinary. Let the rising sun remind me of Your faithfulness; let the night sky remind me of Your infinite wisdom. May the beauty and order of creation stir in me a constant song of praise. And when I cannot see the pattern of Your providence, grant me the faith to trust that You are working all things for the glory of Your name and the good of Your people.
Cause my lips to speak often of Your greatness and my life to bear witness to Your goodness. Let my worship not be confined to moments or places, but let it flow through every thought, word, and deed. Conform my will to Yours, that I may delight to do Your commandments and rejoice in Your ways.
Lord, Your greatness surpasses all understanding, and Your goodness is without measure. Make me ever mindful that You are lifted above every power and authority, above all that is called mighty or excellent in this world. Keep me from fearing man or trusting in human strength, and let my confidence rest in You alone.
May my life be a continual offering of adoration, a living sacrifice holy and acceptable in Your sight. And when my time on this earth is done, receive me into that eternal assembly where saints and angels bow before Your throne, casting their crowns at Your feet and crying, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty.” Until then, keep my heart steadfast in love, my mind fixed on Your truth, and my mouth filled with Your praise.
For You are great and do wondrous things; You are God alone, and I worship You now and forever.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Further Scripture References:
Deut. 6:4; Psalm 72:18; Eph. 4:6; 1 Tim. 2:5
[1] Jeremiah Burroughs, The Saints Treasury (London: T.C., 1654), 5.
