Even though a new year begins with such promise as a beautifully white, blank canvas, still there are trials. Still we face uncertainty. Still our faith is tested time and time again. In this sojourn of mortality, there is no immunity to trials or tribulations. Our righteous choices give us greater freedom and personal peace, but still we are tried with heart-wrenching challenges at times.
Whether we are perplexed with the evil that runs rampant throughout the world, worried for our future, concerned for the choices of our children, carrying burdens of overwhelm or regret, battling doubt or discouragement, I still believe that our lives can be wonderful and filled with wonder.
This may seem hard or even impossible, but I believe it with all of my heart. I have faith that we create a life of wonder not by having a life full of wonderful things, but by following the One who Isaiah calls “Wonderful.”
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given…
and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6
And truly, the name Wonderful could not be more fitting for the One who performs wonderful works and gives wonderful counsel. It was prophesied that before His birth, there would be signs and wonders in the heavens and the people would be amazed and wonder so much that they would fall to the earth. And in the latter-days He would proceed to do a marvelous work and wonder to restore His gospel on the earth.
And even though life can be ever so crushing at times, our Savior has overcome the world, and by so doing, can turn all of of the bad, the messy, the hearbreaking, the worrisome, and the sorrow to work for our ultimate good. I believe that the more we remember Him, praise Him, draw near unto Him, and follow our Wonderful Savior, the more He can bring us light, love, peace, and the wonder-filled lives we seek. I have faith that He can bring us wonder even in the midst of this fallen world.
This year, I am beginning a new series of posts that will run weekly on Wednesdays. These “Wonder Wednesday” posts will be little glimmers of hope or tiny ideas to bring more wonder into our everyday lives. I hope that in implementing these tiny tips, you will remember today’s thought–that the only way to true and lasting wonder in your life is to follow the One who is named Wonderful.
And if life beats relentlessly down upon you making you think that peace or personal improvement are out of reach or if you are confronted with a wintry or stormy season in your life at this time, may you remember the words of Jeffrey R. Holland:
“Remember Joshua’s encouragement to his people when they faced a daunting future. ‘Sanctify yourselves,’ he said, ‘for to morrow the Lord will do wonders among you.’ I declare that same promise…It is the promise of Him who performs those wonders, who is Himself ‘Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, … The Prince of Peace.’ Of Him I bear witness. Of Him I am a witness.”
-Tomorrow the Lord Will Do Wonders among You
Sending peace and love to you as you embark on this new year,
~Jamie
P.S. Beautiful scriptures that speak of the Lord’s wonders can be found at these links:
