Scripture
“Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; And let those who love Your salvation say continually, 'Let God be magnified!” (Psalm 70:4)
Observation
Growing up, I thought magnifying glasses were the coolest things. These shaped pieces of glass allowed me to see the intricate details of a centipede’s pinchers, or a bee’s wings, or even a mound of tiny ants.
This magnification didn’t actually make the object any bigger…it merely increased my perspective, my view, my ability to see the object’s detail and depth, its intricacies, and its beauty.
Today, as David declared, “Let God be magnified!” I was reminded of this childhood fascination. “Let God be magnified!” didn’t make God any bigger; rather, it increased David’s perspective, recalibrated his view, and reminded him of the detail and depth of God’s covering, the intricacies of His love, and the beauty of the Mighty God in whom he placed his trust. Because of that, he was able to “rejoice and be glad” in spite of the threatening attackers, the turmoil around him, and the terrifying situation he faced.
Application
Although we may not be facing armed soldiers seeking our lives like David, daily we face threatening circumstances, turmoil, and terrifying situations, and if we’re not careful we can easily get overwhelmed with fear, anxiety, and worry. We can easily magnify the wrong thing…making the challenges bigger than they really are. May we find hope in David’s words. Today, in the midst of hardship and confusion, may we rejoice in His plan and protection, and may we choose gladness in His salvation and love. He does hear your prayers, and He promises to protect, to provide, and to grant wisdom to those who ask. Today, I will choose to take my eyes off of the scary situations and will say, “Let God be magnified!” May God grant my heart an increased perspective of His authority, may my eyes get recalibrated to see His plan and covering, and may I get reminded of His faithfulness, His power, and His love. It’s only because of Him that I can find joy and gladness no matter what my eyes see and my heart feels. As He is magnified, may my fears and anxieties grow dim in the light of His face.
Prayer
Jesus, thank You so much for this simple word and reminder of Your greatness. Forgive me for magnifying the wrong thing…for magnifying my problems and fears rather than Your promises and Your faithfulness. Help me to daily walk by faith and not by sight, and help me to discipline my emotions to find their source in You. I bring my fears and place them at Your feet and in Your will, and I rejoice in You. In Your name, Amen.
