Saddleback Worship - The Overflow DevoSample

GREAT GOD

Southern California is known for its traffic. Sixteen lanes to be exact. The freeways filled with bumper-to-bumper cars have become synonymous with the everyday grind of work, the never-ending to-do list, and the battle to get to the top first and fast. Most of us are busy, heads down in the details, trying to stay in our lane and get stuff done.

Our state is also known for its vast amounts of beauty. The ocean and the winding shoreline, the mountains with trees that stand tall, valleys filled with crops as far as the eye can see, and the desert that is heavy with heat. It doesn’t take much—a day’s drive at most—to lay eyes on scenery that brings the Psalmist’s description of God to life.

Unfortunately, the greatness of God can sometimes seem far away. For one reason or another, life takes its toll. Beauty, refreshment, and joy can feel like a distant dream.

Scripture tells us that God is the giver of life. He is a kind and generous leader who knows what is best for us. Scripture also tells us that he is a great God. We need only to lift our eyes and look around to see that he is present and active in our world. Creation points to his greatness, community points to his love, and the church points to his hope.

Take comfort. The great God who rules the world also holds the depths of our despair. He walks the valleys of pain alongside us. He rejoices when we reach mountaintop heights. He opens up the heavens to flood us with mercy after time in the desert. Everything is his. He contains it all under the banner of his supreme authority. Every thought, every word, every feeling, and every season of life is in his hand.

Prayer: God, we praise you for your greatness. You are unsurpassed in wisdom and power. We acknowledge that you are ruler over all, and we praise you with renewed passion for your presence in our lives.