Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them. (Ps. 111:2)
Expanded Passage: Psalm 111:1-11
I love children’s paraphrases of Scripture. During Advent season, one boy announced, concerning the events of Christ’s birth, that “Mary pounded them in her heart.” I like that!
Daily, the world pounds us with its philosophy and fears: “Look out for number one.” “Scramble up the ladder of success.” “Buy the latest ego-enhancing luxury item.” “Be vigilant because the terror-level is elevated.” “The world’s economy is falling apart.”
I have to admit that I’m a news junkie: morning news shows, the evening news, and, in between, news sites and Twitter (X) feeds. If I’m not careful, I can get pounded by all the crime, corruption, political unrest, and seemingly hopeless situations locally, nationally, and internationally.
But the psalmist urged us to ponder the great works of the Lord—to pound his principles deeply into our hearts. Psalms 111:4 reminds us to remember the “wonders” of our “gracious and compassionate” Lord. Verse 5 assures us that he “provides food for those who fear him.”
That’s why I have to balance all the world’s bad news with the Word’s good news, to pound it into my heart.
How about you? When your mind isn’t occupied with work or family responsibilities, what do you ponder? The world or the Word? The greatness of God or the wretchedness of humankind? What are you pounding into your heart?
Strike a balance between the Word and the world.
James N. Watkins is an author, editor, and ordained minister in The Wesleyan Church.
© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
