Pondering feels out of vogue. To ponder means to think about something carefully. The word derives from a Latin root referring to weight. Pondering involves contemplating on important issues.

But pondering is hard in our world of flashing images, constant entertainment, social media and ever-updated new feeds. I find little space to ponder, much to my detriment.

The psalmist wrote: Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them.

The writer leads us to ponder over a variety of great works. These include God’s righteousness that endures forever; his grace and compassion; the food on our table; the land we live on; the words of God we find trustworthy; and redemption for his people.

Where might a renewed commitment to pondering lead? To greater and greater respect for the Lord and the wisdom that follows. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding.

Wisdom—that’s in short supply. You and I stand to gain by carving out time in our day to consider the works of the Lord. Maybe try a few minutes by a window, or a stroll with a silenced phone (or without your phone at all). The effort to mull over the gracious work of God pays back many times over.

Ponder a bit with me today. Who knows, it might become a habit we enjoy?

Psalm 111 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Mikael Kristenson