“Lo, these are parts of his ways: but how little a portion is heard of him?
but the thunder of his power who can understand?”
(Job 26:14)
God’s supremacy surpasses every measure known to man. His greatness is unsearchable, His strength unfathomable, and His authority beyond comprehension. What we see of His power—in the stars flung across the heavens, in the gravity that binds the universe, in the beating heart of a child—is but a drop in the ocean of His omnipotence, the whisper before the thunder.
All creation testifies to His incomprehensible might. The earth is suspended on nothing, yet it does not fall. The sky holds vast stores of water in clouds that do not burst. The moon is obscured by mist, and the stars walk in ordered procession. The very fabric of the universe, made up of infinitesimal atomic elements, shouts that an almighty hand sustains it all. And yet even every observable marvel, every breathtaking discovery, is only a sampling of the Creator’s power.
Stephen Charnock wisely observed that the heavens have no visible foundation and the earth no seen support. Both rest entirely on the will and word of the Creator. The observable laws of physics, molecular cohesion, quantum phenomena—all obey the voice of God, who holds all things together by the word of His power (Heb. 1:3).
And still, the marvels of His creation pale next to the glory of His redemptive work. In Christ, God’s power robes itself in humanity. The same authority that stretched out the heavens remakes hearts of stone into hearts of flesh. He speaks, and light breaks into the soul. He commands, and the dead live. Salvation itself is a staggering display of power not only to create, but to resurrect, restore, redeem, and glorify.
Job asks, “Who can understand the thunder of His power?” Truly, no one. Not the wisest philosopher nor the most brilliant scientist. God alone comprehends the depths of His own strength. We see only glimpses—creation groaning, the Spirit regenerating, and providence unfolding. And yet these glimpses are enough to move us to wonder and worship. “No part of worship more often melts heavenly minds into tears, and no wonder we should be raptured near to Heaven by it, since Heaven itself has its songs (Rev. 59).”[1]
And yet the omnipotent God still condescends to care for His people, to order our steps, to provide for our needs, and to sustain our faith. His infinite might is intimately near, working all things together for good. He governs the galaxies as well as counts the hairs on our heads. The thunder of His power humbles us—but also secures us. For this same God is our refuge and very present help.
Let us adore Him not because we have comprehended Him, but because He is worthy. Not because we can explain His power, but because we have tasted it in the gospel and seen it in His Son. Let us praise Him for who He is—the God of incomprehensible power, whose whisper is mightier than the strongest armies and whose thunder will one day shake both heaven and earth in final glory.
Contemplation:
- Glory in the Whisper. Lord, what I can observe of Your power—sunsets, storms, stars, salvation—these are only whispers of Your immeasurable majesty and supremacy. I haven’t even begun to hear the thunder… and yet that whisper is enough to still my doubts, quiet my fears, and stir my soul to worship. Let me glory in what little I can see and marvel in holy awe at what remains unseen.
- Strength Made Known in Christ. The gospel reveals a power far greater than the force of nature. In Christ You have demonstrated the strength of Your love, mercy, and justice. You overcame death. You crushed sin. You raised me up with Him. You are not only the mighty God; You are my Deliverer.
- Small Yet Secure. How small I am before such majesty, and yet how safe! You uphold the universe and me with it. Your strength is not wild or arbitrary but wise, holy, and good. You use it to uphold, to sanctify, and to shepherd. Let me never forget that behind Your infinite greatness stands infinite goodness, and that I am held in Your hands.
- Praise for Unsearchable Might. I adore You, my God, not because I understand Your power, but because I don’t. I adore You because You are greater than my thoughts, deeper than my knowledge, and higher than my reach. I will spend eternity learning what I now only see in part. Teach me to live in awe, to walk in humility, and to worship in wonder.
Prayer (Adoration):
O Lord of Hosts, God of infinite might, I bow before You with trembling adoration. Yours is the power that formed the stars and the silence that holds them in place. Yours is the voice that spoke all things into existence and the breath that gives life to men. From the highest heaven to the smallest atom, all things obey Your will. You alone are God. You alone are Almighty.
What are these wonders I see but the fringes of Your ways? The thunder of Your power shakes the foundations of the earth, and yet I know only the echo. Even the greatest displays of might in creation are only a whisper of the fullness of Your strength.
I adore You, Lord, for Your greatness. I adore You for the majesty that cannot be measured, the wisdom that cannot be traced, the sovereignty that cannot be questioned. You are power itself—a holy, wise, righteous, and loving power that upholds all things for Your glory.
I adore You, O Christ, for the power revealed in Your life, death, and resurrection. You who calmed storms with a word, who cast out demons with a command, who laid down Your life and took it up again. Yours is the power that saves. Yours is the strength that sanctifies. You are the mighty Lord, the Lamb upon the throne.
Holy Spirit, I worship You, for You apply that power to our hearts. You regenerate, You transform, You seal, You preserve. Your power is quiet, but unyielding. Gentle, but irresistible. Hidden, but effectual. Thank You for working in me what I could not work in myself.
Triune God, let my worship rise from a heart that knows its smallness and rejoices in Your strength. Let me walk before You in awe. Let me trust You with reverence. Let me proclaim Your greatness with joy. And when I tremble at the weight of my need, let me remember the thunder of Your power and rest secure in Your might.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Further Scripture References for Job 26:14:
Job 4:12, 11:7, 37:5, 40:9; Psalm 29:3, 139:6; Romans 11:33.
[1] Benjamin Colman, The Government & Improvement of Mirth according to the Laws of Christianity. (Boston in New-England: B Green, for Samuel Phillips at the brick shop, 1707), 145.
